Safety advice for online dating
We often get asked just how safe Online Dating is. Well, it is safe, it is very safe but it does require responsibility and an air of common sense. We have compiled a few tips though to help you make the most of and stay safe.
Trust Your Instincts
It may sound obvious, but it is true. Our instincts are always first to tell us something, so trust them. It is all too easy to simply ignore them and sometimes the consequences can be bad. If any situation makes you feel at all unsafe or uncomfortable then you must walk away. This isn’t only in a real life setting, but also when chatting to people. Look out for odd behaviour and any inconsistencies when chatting to someone, if they say something that contradicts their profile, ask yourself why and ask them why.
Don't Provide Personal Information Too Soon
Never give out any personal information such as your full name, your address, phone numbers or anything else unless you feel absolutely sure it is right. We recommend chatting to people on the online chat or through sending messages before giving personal information. Our chat and message systems are both 100% anonymous and secure and nobody will ever be able to find anything out, unless you tell them. It is far better to take a little time getting to know someone rather than rushing into it and giving away information that you might regret. You’ll know when it is right to share certain information, but even then, think before you give.
Meet somewhere safe
When you are both ready to meet (lucky you) plan it all out. Arrange to meet in a busy and well-lit place. We also recommend that you tell someone what you are doing and where you are going. Give them an indication of what time you are leaving and what time to expect you back. If possible, give them a quick update with a text message or something to let them know how it is going. Never let your date pick you up, sort out your own way of getting there and getting back, making sure you won’t miss the last train home. If you need to travel some distance for the date and intend to stay over, make sure you sort your accommodation out in advance and make sure you leave on your own when the date is over.
Be vigilant on your date and try to keep your wits about you, don’t drink too much and if you get at all suspicious about your date, put an end to it. Online dating is safe, but meeting any strange will always carry some risks, be sensible, be safe and enjoy it. Millions of people are successful in online dating and go on to lead happy lives together. We hope this hasn’t put you off online dating, we just feel it important to make you aware of the risks and to remind you to always be responsible.
