Monday, August 26, 2013

Virtual Romance: Avoiding the Date from Hell by Miss Know It All

Shattered Love © Jwissing | Dreamstime.com


Online dating is one of the many alternatives to the real world when it comes to meeting someone. However, once you encounter an individual on the Internet and start texting, chatting or emailing, some behaviors will alert you to be extra careful before setting up a true date.

You do not get to know someone by chatting, texting or e-mailing. People who come over as polite or charming online may not have good intentions and could end up being a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde or a person with deadly intentions. The last thing you want is to find yourself facing the date from hell or possibly being physically hurt.

Follow these tips while establishing an online relationship. Remember, you know nothing about this person; he or she is just a stranger behind a computer screen.

Never provide personal or financial information about you or your family.

If someone sends you sexually explicit text or emails, think twice before inviting him or her to your home on the first date.

If you plan to meet someone for the first time, never get into his or her car or meet in an isolated location.

Watch a person who goes overboard to impress you.

Because you are captivated by your date, take heed if your associates do not take to him or her on the first or second meeting. Your friends are on the outside looking in, can see more and may have a clearer head when it comes to seeing the warning signs.

Do not provide your address until you get to know the person.

If your first date is to a club or restaurant, have a friend arrive at the site so that he or she can keep an eye on you two from a distance.

Check a person’s background before establishing any type of relationship.

Avoid alcoholic beverages on your first date. You want to keep a clear head.

Always keep your cell phone with you when on a date. Do not leave it in your car. You may need to make an important call or do a fast exodus because you sense the date is not going the way you expected. You can say, “I have to check on my elderly parent. I am sorry, but I must cut this date short.”

If you can think of any other ways to protect yourself on a first date, let us know in the comment box.

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