Online Single Dating

Ads to Avoid

When you are perusing the singles ads in search of the perfect date, there are a few things to watch for. If you see ads with any of these issues, skip over it and go to the next one.

• Avoid ads that give you too much information. Singles ads should give a brief picture of the writer. You don’t need a life history up-front. Ads like this may indicate a person looking for a personal therapist, not a date or life partner.

• Skip overly wordy or dramatic ads. People that use too many big words might be insecure about themselves. They may be trying to appear better than they really are (or think that they are). You want ads that are honest, not a sales pitch.

• On the other hand, you don’t want to respond to someone who omits important information. Areas left blank could indicate that a person has something to hide. It can also indicate that the person isn’t serious about finding relationship.

• It is a good idea to be careful about responding to ads from people who are newly single. You don’t want to be a “rebound” date. Someone who isn’t completely over a previous relationship may expect you to be like their former love interest instead of appreciating you for who you actually are.

Online Single Dating Safely

It is ok to be a little paranoid if you are looking for a date online. Online single dating can open you up to some dangerous people if you aren’t careful. Remember the old saying: It’s better to be safe than sorry. This especially applies to meeting people online. Here are a few guidelines that everyone should follow when internet dating:

• Follow your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You are not obligated to anyone that you meet online. If you feel uncomfortable about the situation, don’t be afraid to end communications politely but firmly.

• Consider finding some background information on your potential date. A simple Google search may turn up some interesting results. You may find something you don’t like, or you may find that you have more in common than you thought.

• A more extensive background check can be done as well. Try U S Search for a basic background check. This can alert you to a person’s criminal record. You may also be able to see marriage or divorce records.

• Check the National Sex Offender Registry. This might sound like being overly paranoid, but it is better to find out now than later. It is safer to prevent a relationship from developing than it is to get attached to someone who isn’t who they portray themselves to be.

More Red Flags

Here are a few more red flags that may seem obvious right now. However, it is easy to ignore your better judgment when you are anxious to find a successful match. Keep these things in mind:

• Ditch someone who asks for money. Include in that category people who discuss being out of work or a recent financial loss.

• Cross off your list individuals who ask inappropriate questions. People who seem overly interested in sex may be dangerous or, at the very least, looking for something you are not ready to give instead of an actual relationship.

• People who seem over confident and like to tell elaborate stories about their success and accomplishments are best to avoid. This type of person may be self-centered at least, or at worst, lying about their true self.

• Someone who gives vague answers or avoids answering your questions is trying to hide something. Don’t wait around to find out what it is.

• Don’t settle for someone who doesn’t share the same values and morals that you do. You’ll only end up with problems down the road.

• Avoid people who do not take responsibility for their own actions. If your potential date doesn’t own up to mistakes, blaming others instead, this is a person you don’t want to get involved with.

• Stay away from the person who moves too fast. It is not possible to fall in love after one date. While this may be flattering, it is also a sign to look somewhere else for a match.

Additional Tips

Finally, remember these tips:

• Do not give out personal information until you know your date well enough through several emails and possibly a few phone calls.

• Take advantage of the safe email systems that many internet dating services provide. This prevents unwanted email to your personal account.

• Don't use an overly sexy screen name or picture. This will give people the wrong idea of what you are looking for.

• Don't meet at home or you place of employment. Pick a public place with lots of people.

• Drive yourself, or take a cab--alone.

• Bring a cell phone to call for help if necessary.

By remembering these safety tips, you will be assured of a better online single dating experience.