For women dating in today’s society, things can be a little scary. Horror stories about sexual predators abound everywhere. So, if you are using an online dating website to help you find a mate, online dating safety is essential. Below are a few tips to help you remain safe while navigating the dating scene.

1. Stay anonymous for awhile. Online dating services allow for a lot of anonymity.  You don’t have to reveal anything about yourself until you are ready to reveal it. So, you can communicate with men without ever having to give away sensitive personal information. In the beginning, use the online dating services’ internal communication method rather than sharing your own e-mail address.
2. Be realistic. This was a tough one for me, as I had very specific tastes. Talk about picky … I had on my profile exactly (to a T) what I was looking for in a man, all the way down to hair length, weight, height, and exact personality traits I knew would compliment my personality (I’d been at this a long time). I am lucky I found someone. And no, he doesn’t fit every little thing to a T (the hair length he did change for my benefit), but I realized there was no way I was going to find a guy who was exactly as I had described. However, I did come closer than ever before with my present guy. So, be realistic. Make a list of what traits – both physical as well as emotional – and interests that you cannot go without, and which you can bend on, and by how much you are willing to bend.
3. Use common sense.  You might feel an “instant connection” with someone, but that feeling can be a false one. Remember, you are anonymous and so is the other person. You have yet to know who this person really is. Chances are, you are both on “your best behavior.” Keep this in mind. No one is perfect, and as you get to know one another the flaws will start to reveal themselves. Take each step slowly and think before taking it to “the next level.”
4. Keep it in the public. Make sure your first date is in a public place. For our first date, John and I went to the movies. We met at the theater on a busy night and sat out in the lounge area to talk for a bit before the movie started. Though the movies can be tough because you can’t talk, we are both movie buffs, so it was a good first date for us.

With these online dating safety tips, you are sure to find the perfect match for you in no time at all.

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