1)
Other than what state you
reside in, please keep your specific information
to yourself as you meet your new friends.
There may be unsavory characters who will
try to trick you into revealing your part
of the state or which town you reside in.
Do not divulge that information until you
feel sure it is safe. The decision should
feel comfortable for you.
2)
Keep your private email
PRIVATE! A lot of people want to join an
online dating community, but not pay for
the privilege of getting to know you. Many
online dating communities ARE FREE to JOIN,
but free members cannot contact other members
of the site. The safety in becoming a paying
member of an online dating website is we
have your REAL information. Should it ever
be necessary, we can track down anyone who
has paid for a membership. This ensures
your safety. Don’t be misled by phony people
who are on the FREE ride. That makes them
cheap and who needs a cheap date? Of course,
there are some people who “test the waters”
before joining and I am not referring to
those folks. I am referring to the people
who put their throw away emails in their
ads and ask that you contact them off the
website. This means you have now given someone
you don’t know your real email address unless
you too create a throwaway email address.
3)
Please post pictures that
are current and be truthful about your age.
Current is a year or less. You want people
to be honest with you. Give that honesty
FIRST!
4)
Take your time developing
your Profile. Many people tend to gloss
over the narrative (hobbies, interests and
activities, etc) but that is what will make
you stand out from the crowd. Write it in
Word first and then copy into the dating
profile. This way you can read for grammar
and typos that show up when someone just
wings it.
5)
Define the kind of relationship
you are seeking. If you are looking for
a companion but don’t want to be married
SAY SO! That way you won’t meet a wonderful
person who is looking for a husband or wife.
Just be honest about what you seek. And
give yourself the option to change your
mind.
6)
BEWARE of those people who
ask you a lot of questions about your life,
and lifestyle but offer little of substance
in return. It would be a smart thing to
have a folder where you store all email
correspondence and keep track of what your
potential new friend says and has said.
Any inconsistencies are RED FLAGS. Please
do not ignore them! Many people have signatures
attached to their emails. Turn this feature
off if it contains information such as a
job phone number or a company name (even
if you are self employed).
7)
No one should ask for personal
information! Not ever! Email relationships
tend to take on a life of their own. You
can and do get a good feel for people but
con artists DO prey on seniors citizens.
Let the information flow, but pay attention
to what you divulge, and how soon you give
up personal information. Your finances and
or financial situation are strictly off
limits. Anyone who dares asks such information
should be cut off and reported to the website
monitors. They can handle the situation,
as they deem necessary.
8)
You should use a cell number
as a contact number until you REALLY get
to know someone well. That would be more
than one date.
Remember, SAFETY FIRST!
This might seem to be a
pain but think for a moment. If your home
phone number is listed, anyone can look
it up online using a reverse directory.
With that info they can get directions to
your HOME! Keep your home number private
for as long as you need to verify all the
information on your new friend.
9)
First dates can be wonderful
ways to finally meet your new friend and
what I will tell you is the same as you
have heard before. ALWAYS meet in public
in a place where there is ample parking
close to the entrance. Make sure someone
knows where you are and have him or her
call you a few minutes after your meeting
time to ensure you arrived safely. It will
also let the other person know that someone
knows where you are and whom you are meeting.
Have this same person verify your safe return
home or meet them at another public place
not far from your original meeting place.
Coffee or lunch dates are a great way to
start a new friendship.
10)
TAKE YOUR TIME! Online dating
is fun and should be an enjoyable, safe
way to meet people in your own time from
the safety and comfort of your home. Don’t
rush into a relationship but let it move
as slowly as you need to be comfortable.
LISTEN to your gut feelings on your potential
new friends. Have fun and good luck in your
search for a special friend or potential
partner!
About the Author: Michelle
Smith-Billups is the owner of several online
dating websites. Her focus is on building
stronger relationships starting with your
relationship with yourself. Are You a Single
and Sexy Senior? http://seniorsdating.biz/?CID=art1
Source: www.isnare.com
GoldDates.com2006