Whether you’ve been a member of a dating site for a few years now, or have just created an account, you’ve probably noticed that online dating isn’t exactly like dating in the “real world.”
Real-world dating and online dating do share some similarities, since the reasons for participating in either are generally the same.
But there are some specific rules of etiquette you’ve got to follow when you’re talking to and meeting up with virtual strangers.
If you’re able to keep in mind these dos and don’ts of online dating as you test the waters with various guys and gals, you will dramatically reduce your chances of having to escape from a lunatic, or causing your date to take out a restraining order on you.
Dos of online dating
# Meet in a public placeThe person you’re talking to on the other side of your computer, tablet, or cell phone screen may seem trustworthy, but you actually have no idea if they are or not. Even if they don’t end up being an axe murderer, it will be much easier to ward off any unwanted sexual advances if you meet them in public.
# Tell a friend or family member where you’re going
This is important for women to do, but it’s also important for men *a few women can be dangerous and creepy too*.
If you have a feeling that your date may end up being a bust, you can pull the old trick of asking your friend to call you after an hour with an “emergency.”
# Use your own transportationDon’t allow your date to pick you up, as this will leave you at the mercy of a total stranger, who may end up being smarmy. If you don’t have your own car, pick a meeting place you can easily get to on foot or by bicycle, bus, or taxi.
Don’ts of online dating
# Chat online for months before meetingSometimes, often unintentionally, the persona that an individual presents online is different from their personality in the real world. If your romantic interest is a big talker online, but is actually shy in public, you’d prefer to find that out sooner than later, wouldn’t you?
There are few things more devastating than talking to a person on the internet for ages, building up a friendship and a fantasy of what you think they’re like, and then having your dreams dashed when you finally meet them.
# Agree to go to a guy or girl’s home on the first dateThis goes back to #2 in the dos of online dating. Under most circumstances, you’ll have no real idea whether your date is trustworthy. Going to their house not only increases the chances of danger, but also increases the odds of something sexual happening.
Even if both parties have fun, first-date sex often comes with negative consequences *such as the other person suddenly dropping off the face of the earth* that you’re better off not dealing with. Be patient! If the sex is going to be great, it’ll be just as great on the third date or later.
# Send indecent pictures before meetingWhile it’s understandable that some people like to exchange sexy pictures with a significant other, do NOT send them to people whom you’re just talking to online.
Once again, you don’t really know these people. They may immediately text your provocative selfie to one of their friends, or post it on a popular website like Facebook or Twitter. You certainly don’t want to come across it, in all its glory, the day before an important job interview.