dating tips from online to the real thing
Always trust your instinct — after all, it’s gotten you this far in life already Take your time and look at lots of different profiles to get a feel for what kind of person you want
Never publish your phone number or email address
Don’t take anything at face value — it’s easy to lie online, and many people do
Ask lots of questions when chatting with your potential mates
Make sure you feel comfortable with whoever you are chatting with, at all times If someone is abusive or rude, block them immediately Don’t give your home or work address to anyone you have not met in person
Before agreeing to a date, make sure you know as much about the other person as possible
Don’t allow yourself to be talked into anything — you’re the one in charge
Take your time to get to know someone — don’t be rushed A patient person will be happy to wait until you are ready to meet Make sure anyone you’re talking to is willing to provide photos and information about himself or herself
Ask your date to leave a message on your voicemail beforehand, if possible
Chat on the phone for a while before arranging a date Always meet in a well-lit public place
Always tell a good friend where you are going and who you’re meeting If possible, step away and call a friend during the date to confirm that everything is ok
Always carry a cell phone on a date Schedule lunch dates — they’re convenient and they have a time limit
Always make your own travel arrangements to/from a first date Do not accept a ride home on the first date or reveal your address If you’re traveling far, always make and confirm your own hotel arrangements
Make sure you have as much information about your date as possible Keep your first date to a specified time limit so you always have an “exit” point Never feel like you owe it to someone to meet them — you don’t!
