| As the owner of a dating directory I feel | | | | for you to be picked up, don't accept the |
| compelled to share with my readers 10 safety | | | | offer. This isn't about being independent, it |
| tips that I have created to make your online | | | | is about staying safe.7. Let a friend know |
| dating experience joyful, exciting and safe | | | | where you are and who you will be with. |
| from harm:1. Look for a reputable dating | | | | Arrange a check-in time during the date. A |
| site. Just because you are paying a hefty | | | | phone call or text message will be an alert |
| monthly fee doesn't mean that a site is | | | | or an all- clear.8. If the chemistry is right |
| reputable. Speak to your friends and others | | | | and you feel like you are falling in love on |
| and ask if their experiences have been | | | | the first date, think again! Never go home |
| successful. Past success is usually a good | | | | with your date and don't agree to let him |
| predictor for the future.2. Once you have | | | | follow you home.9. Watch the booze. Drinking |
| found the dating site that you want to work | | | | too much will make you vulnerable physically |
| with decide how much you want to share in | | | | and emotionally. Keep your wits about you at |
| your profile. There is a reason why they are | | | | all times. With little or no inhibition you |
| called "personals". People share their | | | | are putting yourself in a compromising and |
| personal business with others, but be careful | | | | potentially dangerous position. And that goes |
| not to expose too much too soon.3. Always be | | | | for party drugs too!10. Remember safety 1st. |
| discreet the first time around. There will be | | | | Although statistically online dating is safe, |
| plenty of opportunity for you to open up your | | | | there are are still danger signs to pay |
| heart and life story. Remember you can always | | | | attention to. Be suspicious, if you must. Be |
| edit your profile.4. Remember you have a | | | | inquisitive. Know when to trust your |
| right to privacy. Respond in a responsible | | | | instincts and call an end to a date. Never |
| way to inquiries. Everyone tries to make | | | | act desperate. It may be wiser to go home |
| themselves look good in an email. It's real | | | | alone than to stick around with a stranger |
| life that really matters. Maintain your | | | | who doesn't interest you.Finding love can be |
| privacy until you are ready to share.5. Use | | | | an exciting beginning to a special |
| caution. I will say it again, use caution | | | | relationship. Feeling love is even more |
| when you share your information. Pay close | | | | special. |
| attention to how much the other person is | | | | |
| open to revealing who they are. Someone who | | | | Be careful and play it smart.Janet Reiss, |
| is unable to or unwilling to offer up answers | | | | LCSW is a Certified Social Worker in New York |
| to simple facts about themselves may not be | | | | State. When not working as a Clinical Manager |
| the one for you. Move on!6. When you finally | | | | at a community hospital or in her private |
| decide to meet, meet in a public place. Take | | | | practice in Long Island, Janet is an |
| your own transportation or travel with a | | | | entrepeneur. Her website attracts many |
| friend. Even though it may be more convenient | | | | singles looking for the link to love. |