Following a recent government report on online dating and social networks, we want to remind all our members of the importance of staying safe online. Over 9 million people in the UK use online dating websites to find and meet people and most have an enjoyable and safe experience but its worth remembering the advice on staying safe and the precautions you should take:
1. Make a plan and stick to it
Try and agree on what both of you want from the date before meeting. Do it. Agree on what you both want from your date before you meet. Don't allow yourself to feel pressured in forced into meeting before you're ready. Don't feel like you have to stay longer than you're comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with a quick date!
2. Always meet in a public place.
It's always best to meet in a public place and stay in public - particularly if itsa first date. Travel to and from the date on your own and never feel pressured to go home with your date if you don't want to. If you are ready to move to a more private and intimate location make sure you both have the same expectations of what might happen.
3. Get to know each other before meeting.
People can sometimes behave differenty online and differently in real life. Do not be offended if your date is more shy and reserved or more caucious in real life or if things don't move as quickly as you had hoped. Meeting someone new isn't always easy.
4. Don't be afraid to end a date early
If a date isn't going well or is not how you expected dont be afraid to end a date and leave. You don't owe the other person anything no matter how long you have been talking or what has been discussed in the past. If you feel its not working out and you want to leave, leave.
For more help and advice visit this blog post- Online dating safety advice
