Safe Dating Tips Everyone Must Read

Especially Those With Children

1. START OFF SLOWLY

You may feel that you can be bolder than usual because you're protected by your keyboard and screen. We advise you to take your time. Keep reminding yourself that you should be "talking" to the person you've made contact with, with the same degree of respect and caution you'd exhibit if you met them in person for the first time. Don't let the fact that you're communicating via a computer lead you to take chances with your words. Begin by communicating solely via Single Parent Love life email, then look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. Remember what Kramer from Seinfeld said, when it comes to instincts you "Jerry ya gotta trust the little man (or woman). Now what does the little man (or woman) tell you?" If your gut is telling you that you're uncomfortable with the person at the other side of your computer, then politely walk away.

2. GUARD YOUR PRIVACY UNTIL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE REVEALING MORE

Trust is something that is earned and that takes time. It's always better to err on the side of caution. Never include your last name, home address, phone number, place of work or any other identifying information in your profile or initial messages. Don't be afraid to stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.

3. REQUEST A PHOTO

Never feel guilty or shallow for insisting on seeing a recent picture. It's only natural and the first step to determining if there is chemistry. If all you hear are excuses about why you can't see a photo, consider that he or she has something to hide.

4. CHAT ON THE PHONE

Hearing a person's voice can tell you so much about a person; tone, the way they emote, ability to really listen and respond and finally their social skills. (Guys, remember, women need you to listen!) Consider your security and do not reveal your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a cell phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing in Caller ID. Only furnish your phone number when you feel completely comfortable.

5. MEET WHEN YOU'RE READY YO MEET

The best thing about Online dating you can slowly learn things about the person on the other side of the screen. You can take your time and ask any questions you want to. Don't feel pressured to meet before you are ready. Once you feel a level of trust has been established and feel you have the respect of the person you are interested in meeting, go ahead and choose a coffee shop, bookstore or other public place to meet.

6. CHILDREN AND DATING DO NOT MIX

We didn't know whether we should include this point, but we have heard stories of children coming out on first and early dates so again, better to err on the side of caution. Do not include your children in your dating life. Children do not have the emotional maturity to understand the process of your love life. They may still be hurt by your breakup with the other parent and resent you for assuming they're ready to meet your date. Only after significant time together with your new partner should you consider inviting the children to come along, and even then, the process should truly be taken in terms of baby steps.

7. RED FLAGS

As you become more experienced with Online dating you will come to recognize the red flags. We thought we would just give you a heads up to save you some time. Is the person you're courting online displaying anger or frustration? (e.g. "Why didn't you respond to me sooner?" or "Why don't you respond to my eight Instant Messages?" - yikes) Is this person attempting to control you or making disrespectful or inappropriate sexual comments? Is the person you're communicating to or dating refusing to offer up clear and concise information regarding their age, marital status, children or employment? Is this person refusing to speak to you on the phone even though you've established some intimacy together on Single Parent Love Life? And finally, is your date refusing to introduce you to the people who matter in their life? These are some of the key red flags you need to be aware of. What's the best course of action when a red flag makes an appearance? If you're not given a good explanation, just Block the person or walk away.

8. THE DATE

When you're going out on a date with someone new, tell a friend where you're going and bring along your cell phone. A good idea is to give your date an estimation of how much time you are willing to give on date #1. We recommend keeping it short to lower expectations. This makes it easier for you to leave if there is no chemistry. When you want the date to end, just say, "thank you but I have to go now".

If you are in any way afraid of your date, make it clear that you feel it's time for the date to end. If you want to, just slip out a back door, get in your car and drive away. Don't worry about how your actions come across to others. You don't have to impress anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

There are liars, cheaters and imposters on the Internet to be sure. And while we at Single Parent Love Life want to believe that our site attracts an honest and mature constituency we want to remind you to be vigilant. Remember, Intenet dating is a microcosm for the entire dating world. There are liars, cheaters and imposters in all walks of life. It's up to you to take a strong stance and cut them off from your sacred world as soon as your instincts tell you to.

EXPECTATIONS AND INTERNET DATING