Dating services, especially those
online, are a good way to connect with other persons
for friendship and dating purposes. Through a
dating online service you are immediately able
to network with hundreds of persons via e-mails,
chat rooms, video and audio recordings, and later
– telephone.
Keep the Date Simple
Once you’ve found someone through a dating
service that you would like to meet in person,
setting up a first date might be in order. Because
this will be your first meeting, keep the date
short and simple. One or two hours in duration,
at the most.
If the two of you hit it off, you can always
extend your time together. However, if sparks
don’t fly you avoid the uncomfortable
situation of having to suffer through a longer,
more involved date. For instance, instead of
eating out and going to see a movie, choose
one or the other.
Your first date should be one where the two
of you have the opportunity to talk and get
to know each other better. A noisy, distracting
environment such as a party or dance might not
be the best choice.
Instead, make plans to meet at a restaurant,
or even a coffee house like Starbucks. Trendy
and fun, with a casual atmosphere that is relaxing
and conducive to easy conversation.
Until you know for sure whether the two of
you like each other in person as much as you
did online, avoid sharing your address or personal
information such as where you work, etc. Arrange
to meet at a public place, each providing your
own transportation.
Take Precautions
There is always the chance that the person
you came to know online misrepresented themselves.
Therefore, inform friends and family members
about your dating plans.
Tell them who you are meeting, and where. Also
mention the name of the dating online service
where the two of you met, the person’s
e-mail address, telephone number, etc.
Reputable web site dating services such as
All Link.com provide restrictions and guidelines
for your benefit online. But when it comes to
meeting someone in person, it is your responsibility
to be prudent.
While chances are the date will be enjoyable,
the need to ensure personal safety make taking
precautions essential. You may have been honest
in representing yourself online through the
dating service. But you won’t know for
sure if your date did, until after the two of
you have met. |
