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