How to Date Safely
Online date can lead to lasting love. The times when we thought that online acquaintance is something weird are gone. Now millions of people visit different dating sites and find their soulmates! Relationship even can turn international if your significant other lives in another country. Whatever it is, people date each other online, and it is a fact.
Later there might (or must) be a real-life meeting when you finally get to see your love in your own eyes. Apart from the romance that really turns your head, there are a few things you should remember.
Nobody can guarantee that you are completely safe from fraudsters. Of course, high-quality websites have their anti-scam protection, but there is something you can do yourself to decrease the chances of an attack. We have collected the main advice here.
Online
It all starts with easy chats, and you don't even notice that someone is trying to deceit you. However, this scenario is not that unpopular, and men do suffer from online-scam. To avoid a situation like this, remember to follow these rules.
No money to anyone but the site
As a rule, dating websites take payment for their services. It is reasonable, as the team of professionals does the job of translation, organization, delivery and so on. Therefore, all of the other expenses aren't necessary. If your date asks to send money, don't do this. Even if they pretend to have an emergency!
Look at the content
We now mean the sense of the messages that you get. If there is anything offensive or inappropriate, report it to customer support. A person who counts on finding love wouldn't send any inappropriate messages and ruin their good reputation.
Don't share
Don't tell anyone your personal information. Of course, there is some data on your profile, but the other users shouldn't know things like the number of your credit card or your home address. And if they even ask for it, that's too strange, don't you think?
Don't move too fast
A fraudster is very likely to try to move your conversation from the dating platform. It is much easier for them to fool you where there is no strict administration or support. Be careful about exchanging your contacts as well: a stranger may use it for your bad later.
Offline
When you finally meet in person, the story is not finished: it only begins. That's why it is even more important to behave correctly in a real-life date. Before you go there, make sure that you remember these tips.
Stay public
For the first date, it is better to go to some public place. It guarantees safety for both of you. At least you will have the witnesses!
Let your family know
It is a good idea to tell someone, like family or friends, where you are going and with whom. They won't worry about you, and in the worst case, they will know where to look for you.
Keep the phone on
Don't turn off your phone during the meeting. It is safer to have it on in case you will have to make an urgent call. The opportunity to stay in touch with someone you know is very good in such situations: it's life you feel somebody has your back.
Health
The physical aspect of date is also important. You are adults, so don't exclude sex from the possible outcomes of your meeting.
Know your status
You should control your intimate health, that's why it is good to know your status before you go on a date. And don't be shy to ask your partner about their status. It is health, first of all.
Use protection
No matter how strong the feelings are, you can't neglect the protection. Use condoms or the other means of contraception to save your health and don't spoil the date and your further being.
For further help and support
If there is an emergency, don't hesitate to call 911 or the following services. The hotlines work 24/7.
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE www.rainn.org
Planned Parenthood
1-800-230-7526 www.plannedparenthood.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 www.thehotline.org
