Internet Dating: How to Have a Safe First Meeting

Dating was once something that was limited only to meeting people face to face. Now, with the internet and numerous dating sites, you can meet someone just like you (or a complete opposite of you) from miles away. So then comes the getting to know period, sharing pictures time and then comes the always anxiously awaited first actual meeting. While internet dating provides its own safety net in regards to having distance TO get to know someone instead of having an immediate desire for intimate contact (hand holding, kissing - distractions from getting to know someone), there are also the many dangers that go along with online dating. Is the person lying about their real appearance, age, marital status? All you know is what you've been told and learned through conversations, now you have to prepare for the meeting. Below are a few suggestions on how to assure you have a safe, first meeting with someone who in all forms is still a perfect stranger.

Meet in Public

This means meeting in a busy mall or a sporting arena. Anywhere public where you can flag down someone if you end up meeting someone who acts, talks and thinks like a serial killer. This also can give you comfort in knowing that you aren't meeting face to face in some place where there aren't many (or any, for that matter) people in case the unthinkable should happen. Public places are good also for meeting, not only due to security, but also because you can see how a person reacts around crowds and in public. You don't want someone who acts like a rude, inconsiderate person as a possible life partner, now, do you? Just remember while there may be a passion there and the urge to just scream, "take me I'm yours!" after weeks and months of a long distance relationship, you have to be careful because there are predators on the internet who look for vulnerable people. On the plus side, if you meet the man or woman of your dreams in public you can show 'em off. Who doesn't like that?

Carry a Phone

I know Cell Phones are expensive, but there are also pre-paid wireless ones that are absolutely cheap and worth it. Dollar stores sell them for $15 to $20 and even if you don't buy a time card - you can use the phone to dial 911. This is always beneficial in the 'just in case' instance that something bad does happen on this meeting-date or another occasion. Carrying one is just useful and even buying time cards for these phones is reasonably priced. Not a bad option, either, because if things are going so well and you want to spend time out longer you can call a roommate (or parent if you're still living at home) to let them know you're fine and you'll be a little late. That way people know where you are and can also get ahold of you in the event of an emergency.

Never Go back to your home

I'm not saying never let them know where you live. Just until you get to know him or her better and decide if it will work out, be on the hesitant side. You don't want to open your house up to another person and then find out it's not going to work out or the worst possible thing - they end up robbing you blind. Don't say it doesn't happen - it does. If you pay attention to court cases on television on occasion you can hear about these problems that arise from 'internet meetings' that go wrong. It's also advisable to never go back to the hotel or motel where they are staying - or if you're closer in living than you thought - going back to their place. It's just as dangerous as taking them to yours. Would you honestly want to be accused down the line of stealing something when you know you didn't? Plus you never know who is where. They can claim they're alone but once you get back to a house or hotel room there may be someone else there. Then you know something isn't right.

Bring someone with you

There is safety in numbers. Predators sometimes say, "meet me alone at (location)" even public ones. Always be careful about meeting these interests who insist on alone meetings. Don't buy into their reasons and if you need to, bring a friend with you. I'll assume you mentioned this internet relationship to real life friends and want to introduce them too. So this kills two birds with one stone. You have security of a friend there AND they get to meet this person you've become enamored with. Don't feel bad if you bring a guy, let's face it. If you're a girl and have a close guy friend - he will try his best to protect you in the worst possible scenario. Best case, you two meet this interest of yours and the three (or four - sometimes even they bring a friend!) of you can spend a relatively secure time out together. When you feel you can trust the person, you can wave your friend off and then get to know this interest.

Depending where you are from, what you should to to provide a safe internet meeting can vary. Just remember that you've put your entire trust into this person and deserve to be safe and secure when meeting someone. Yes, it may put you in a horrible light but in any instance of meeting online and then in real person - your safety is more important. Be careful, be wise and enjoy that first meeting with your someone special.