If you are keen to know other people then online dating is the safest way to do so. You can hide your true identity as long as you want. Online dating has some rules that should be taken care of for security reasons. It is for your own benefit if you observe them sincerely.

Don’t ever offer up your telephone number during the initial communication. Delay this for a minimum of fourteen days or up to four weeks in order to evaluate the one with whom you have been conversing.

You will need to speak with the person ahead of time, before deciding to meet them in public. A voice on the phone can reveal some clues as a person’s trustworthiness. Starbuck’s can make a safe meeting place.

Always meet in a public place. You should never have the person pick you up or follow you home after the first date.

Generally everyone is trying to find Mr. or Miss Right. Even though we don’t like to think about the dangers of predators in online dating, some trouble does exist. This means that you have to be careful but don’t think that everyone is a predator. Just make sure that when you order a drink, keep your eyes on it at all times.

Be open and honest with the person you are speaking with. Some things about yourself probably should not be shared right away, but you can explain why honestly instead of ducking the question.

Submit an honest self description, as well as a recent personal photo. This will produce the most satisfactory profile results. Truth is not optional.

And the point of highest importance, protect yourself from anguish by not rushing the relationship. It’s vital to take it one step at a time getting to know one another. Everything will fall into place sooner or later and you might discover that the two of you are getting closer or you could discover distinctions that could push you further apart…and to your benefit!

Irma R. Martin is another contributing author at the Online Dating Planet Website. Aso, the homepage has a great resource called the ‘10 Most Visited Love and Romance Sites’.

- Richard J. Kessinger