As a woman, it can be very intimidating to meet new dates online. Every day it seems you hear news stories of how women were caught off guard by a new person they met online. Just know that online dating can be an incredibly safe and effective way to meet new people. You just have to know how to protect yourself. That means you should pay strict attention to these top seven online dating safety tips for women so that you can always be safe as you struggle to meet the special someone of your dreams.
1. Watch Your Kids Photos
Online dating safety doesn’t just apply to you. It also applies to your children. Even though you’re proud of your family photos of you and the kids, be vigilant and protect the kids from online predators who may target single mothers. It’s best to keep the kids out of any photos you post online just for safety’s sake.
2. Be Vague About Personal Details
Online suitors don’t have to know where you live, where you work and where you eat for lunch every day. Keep things vague and reveal just enough information to allow the person to get to know you bit by bit. All of those personal details will come out eventually, but let the person work to know every single thing there is to know about you.
3. Consider Another Phone Number
Most online dating safety tips tell you not to give out your phone number, but the phone is a great way to get to know the other person intimately and it’s a great way to plan for the first offline date. Consider getting a Skype or Google number that forwards to your phone. That way, if the date doesn’t work out and you find yourself with a creep on your hands, you won’t have to change your permanent number.
4. Meet In A Public Place
This is one of the most important online dating safety tips to remember. Never meet the person at their house or invite them to yours for a first date. It should always be in a public place with plenty of people around so that you never feel vulnerable and alone.
5. Have Someone Call You
When you meet the person for the first time, have a friend call you on your cell phone to make sure you’re alright. You might also have the person call your cell phone or text every couple of hours just to make sure that you are having a good time and that you’re safe and sound.
6. Be Vigilant Of Your Surroundings
When you take your date from online to off and you’re meeting the person for the first time, you should be yourself and try to get to know the other person as best you can. However, you should also be vigilant of your surroundings. Never go anywhere you don’t feel right about and don’t be afraid to walk away if you ever feel unsafe during your offline date.
7. Watch The Alcohol
Don’t get too inebriated on your dates and you will be less likely to be taken advantage of. That’s not to say that you need to be a teetotaler, but you should watch your intake as much as possible and never drink on any empty stomach. This is another important online dating safety tip that all women should remember, as alcohol can leave you incredibly vulnerable if you drink too much.
Keep these online dating safety tips in the back of your mind and you’ll enjoy safer and more fulfilling first offline dates. Do you have any tips of your own that you think our readers will benefit from? Let us hear your online dating safety tips in the comments section below. We can’t wait to hear from you.