With so many people communicating via the Net and deciding to go out with virtual strangers, it is important to be safe and be smart.

Cyberspace is now the new hangout when it comes to finding romance or just hooking up. As a result, many individuals have begun relationships online with people they have not met and know little about.

As the web expands into human relationships and dating, it is in your best interest to exercise caution. Common sense can go a long way to keep you safe. As in anything in life, you will need basic rules such as these:

Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true:

Start slow by using email or chat channels. Be vigilant in noticing strange behavior or inconsistencies. If you notice evasive signs, your radar should flag it. “Listen” to your correspondent’s words. The individual at the other end may not be who or what he/she says. Have faith in your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.

Do the CIA check and get as much info as you can:

Be as inquisitive as you can. Do a check list on your side to get basic info on stuff like where he works or where he grew up. These are clues to finding out that this individual really is. If you notice uncertainty in giving personal info, then that is a red flag. Probe any discrepancies in their stories. If your correspondent is unwilling to answer your questions, this is another red flag. Continue with a great deal of caution.

It is best to be honest from the get go:

Represent yourself accurately. Exaggerating or misleading is easy online. Areas to be particularly cautious about are marital status and physical appearance. Start with a request for a picture and send them a recent one of you. If someone is unwilling to send a recent picture, this is warning sign. If he or she continuously comes up with an excuse, it is because that person has something to hide. In today’s digital age, coming up with a photo is a no brainer. After you have exchanged pictures, continue to fill in the gaps, so that the other person does not create you in their image. Honesty is the best policies as your grandma always say over 50s dating.

Talk on the phone and continue to learn more about your correspondent:

Talking reveals valuable information about a person’s character and quirks. It’s worth it to call since you can continue to get a more complete profile. Try to be stingy on giving out your phone to anybody you are not comfortable with. Take your time to see if a trusting bond is there. Only when you feel completely comfortable should you furnish your phone number.

Don’t rush into anything:

Setting up a date after just meeting someone online is both stupid and dangerous. You have to follow the investigation process before you do a face to face. If someone is pressuring you to get together before you are ready, this is another warning sign. Remember that if your gut instinct is not right, do not hesitate to walk away and move on to the next candidate.

If you make a decision to meet for a date, proceed with caution and arrange the meeting on your terms. The following is a guide to ensure that you have a safe encounter:

1. Always tell someone where you are going with your date and when you will return. Make sure you give them your date’s full name and contact numbers just in case. There are also websites these days, like nottinghamshire dating site, where you can register dating information such as these, for a small fee. If your date wants you to keep it secret, this is a very big red flag. Protect yourself!
2. Always meet in a public place that you are familiar with on your first date. It must be where there are other folks and preferably well lit. Getting together for coffee is a pleasant, casual way to get to know someone.
3. Very important – Do not let him pick you up where your live. Giving your address out to a stranger is not safe. Try to have your own transportation, so if it does not work, your exit strategy is simpler.
4. Pay attention to everything that this person has told you about him or herself. If you find out that your date has lied about anything, this is another red flag.
5. For the same reason you do not want to be picked up at home on the first date, do not let him drop you off. Remember that you are out with almost a virtual stranger. Let your common sense rule.

Be smart and be safe. Take control of your future. Know what you are getting into before you invest your heart, money, or your life on dating sites in nottinghamshire. Information about the other person is the key!