Sparkly's Guide to Online Dating: Safe Date Practices

Have you read the book The Gift of Fear?  If not, then you should, especially before you really dive in to the online dating scene.  The author talks about how listening to your sixth sense can save your life.  Don't ignore that "little voice" inside your head- it's there for a reason!  If you're new to online dating then, first read the other posts from this series: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four.

What are your best tips for meeting someone in person that you met online?  I have more than a few things I do routinely so here they are:

• Keep your friends in the know- have one or two friends that know you're dating online and who know where you're planning on going when you go on dates with online matches.
• Drive yourself- This is one of the times I tell women that they don't need to expect a guy to pick them up for a date.  Take your own car "just in case" he's crazy or conveniently forgot his wallet.
• Pick someplace close to home- You don't need to "meet halfway" or whatever.  You know your neighborhood, so if there is a coffee place or a pub that you frequent then go there.  You'll be comfortable in that environment.  
• Have a backup plan- If the guy is weird, boring, creepy, married, etc then you need a way out.  Make sure that your friend will be available to call you with an "emergency", giving you a reason to get away.  *Ordering a smaller drink also helps because if you're just bored then you have an excuse to go "Oh, look at the time, I have someplace to go."

Some of these may seem a bit on the extreme, but they've been tried and work.  You always always ALWAYS need to let someone know where you're going.  Even if it means getting to the coffee shop early and telling a barista, in passing, that you're a little nervous because you've never met someone from an online dating site before.  That let's them know the situation and may peek their interest enough to keep an eye on you (especially if that barista likes to people watch).  

Again, just be sure to listen to your gut because if you're getting the feeling that something isn't right then get out.  You don't have to be rude, but it's better to be rude and alive.  Be sure to tell the person, maybe after the date, that you don't see them romantically.  Most of the time you won't hear from them again.  But if you start to get harassed, be sure to report them to the dating site.  If they still persist, call your local police.