Question #6
I am concerned with the safety of Internet
dating. What tips do you have for dating and meeting safety?
A: Conscious Singles offers like minded singles an alternate
way to meet and socialize. When you are corresponding through e-mail
or meeting members off-line, please use sound judgment and responsible
conduct both online and off. As in the traditional dating arena,
common sense and awareness are your best safety tools. We truly
want your experience with us to be safe and fun!
Things to Watch For: Watch for language and statements that
sound evasive. Pay attention to choppy sentences and stories where
appropriate detail as been omitted. Simple lies and deceptions are
the easiest to rehearse and keep undetected. Be relatively conservative
and trust your instincts. If it feels suspicious or uncomfortable
- move on!
Keep Your Anonymity: Never include personal information
in your profile or initial emails that could help someone to locate
or identify you. Your last name, real e-mail address, home address,
phone number, place of work, or any other identifying information
should be kept private until you are completely comfortable with
someone. Be cautious and selective. Stop communicating with anyone
who pressures you for information or attempts in any way to trick
you into revealing it.
Never Feel Pressured to Meet Anyone In Person: One advantage
of getting to know someone online is that you can gradually screen
information and then make a choice about pursuing the relationship.
You are NEVER obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level
of online intimacy. And you always have the right to change your
mind even if you do decide to arrange a meeting. Again, trust your
instincts!
If You Decide To Meet: You can never be absolutely certain
about the background, motives or behavior of someone you've agreed
to meet. Always go with more caution, not less. Never agree to meet
someone if you feel at all uncomfortable or afraid. When you decide
to meet someone, proceed carefully. Always make sure a friend or
family member knows about your meeting - where and when. Make arrangements
to check in with them on your return. Meet in a public place at
a time when you expect many other people to be present. Avoid isolated
or remote places such as drives in the country or hikes through
the woods until you are completely comfortable with someone. Take
your own car for the first few meetings and do not ride with the
other person. Make sure you end the meeting while there are still
other people present. If you are asked about getting together again,
answer honestly. It's OK to decline further meetings.
Be Aware and Know What To Do If You Sense Danger: Even unhealthy
or dangerous people often display exemplary behavior. Behavior is
unpredictable and there are never guarantees, but there are some
warning signs. Any displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts
at pressuring or controlling you could be signs of a potential problem.
Making insulting or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate
behavior are alerts. If in any way you become uncomfortable or afraid,
use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there.
If necessary, excuse yourself and ask someone else on the scene
for help, or slip out the back door and drive away. If necessary
call the police. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Never
worry or feel embarrassed about your behavior to keep yourself safe.
