How to stay safe when dating
August 25th, 2010The news that the guy who has been harassing New Statesman journalist, Katharine Quarmby, faces jail after posting a fantasy novel on his blog started me thinking about privacy and security.
Apparently, Katharine met this guy through an online dating site, and he admits harassing her with phone calls and emails after she said she did not want to see him. I thought it might be worthwhile restating some simple dos and don’ts to help you all to keep safe.
These are particularly relevant if you are using internet dating. If you choose to use a traditional Introduction Agency it should be safer as any reputable agency will check the people they introduce you to and will nearly always met them face to face. I suggest you try agencies that are members of ABIA.
Some normally sensible singles lose their head when it comes to affairs of the heart. So here are a few dating security tips:
1. Never reveal too many personal details about yourself.
2. Never invite someone you have not met before to your home.
3. Meet, perhaps, for a coffee at a mutually convenient neutral venue.
4. Never have too much alcohol.
5. Dress appropriately – nothing too revealing if you are female, it can give the wrong impression.
6. If you seem to click with a stranger in cyberspace and they ask you for money after telling you a hard luck story – usually, “I want to see you but I don’t have enough money to travel”, don’t be taken in. NEVER hand over any cash.
7. Watch out for serial daters. These are usually men (but not always) who use the internet for casual relationships and/or sex. You can usually spot them by checking out several different websites and if your date has been active on a few I can generally say he/she is a serial dater!
8. Lastly use your ‘gut feeling’, if something your date says doesn’t add up beware, it’s probably not true.
By following these simple 8 steps (especially if dating on-line) there should be no problem with safe dating.
Finally, if you use Facebook, I urge you to review your privacy settings. The default setting lets nearly anyone look at your page.
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