Safety
Online dating is extremely safe, provided you act sensibly. In fact, it is probably the safest way of meeting people. You are under no obligation to give anyone your details like your real name, email address or phone number and all correspondence is completely anonymous. .
Do not arrange to meet anyone, or give them any personal contact details, until you know them well and have built up a good level of communication with them. Send plenty of messages to your matches; ask them questions to make sure they're genuine - for example, can you call them at home at any time? If someone is genuinely interested in you, they ought to respect the fact that you want to take your time to get to know them..
The site has sophisticated blocking options which prevent anyone you don't like from seeing your details or contacting you again. If you see or read something you don't like - block that match and then use the Report Member facility to tell us about their behaviour.
When you do decide to meet another member you should consider the following guidelines for your own safety and peace of mind.
 When you arrange to meet, make sure that you are both comfortable with the arrangements and please discuss dress code. There is nothing worse than one of you being over or under-dressed for the occasion.
Arrange to meet in a safe public place like a pub or a restaurant.
If you have arranged to meet, please turn up. If you feel that you might be late or can no longer make it for whatever reason, please contact the person immediately so they are not left waiting for you.
Remember, when you meet someone for the first time they are still a stranger.
Always tell a friend where you are going and what time you expect to be back home.
Always have a contingency plan for the unexpected so you can get away quickly, and have someone close by you can call on. Take a mobile phone with you – and make sure it is fully charged, working and has enough credit to make calls. Ask a friend to call on some pretext about 30 minutes after you meet your date and agree some form of code word to alert them to any problem – or use it as an excuse to rush off to supposedly help a friend in need!
Try to avoid conversations about previous relationships as these can be off-putting.
Don't drink excessively, particularly if you're nervous - and don't leave your drink unattended.
At the end of your date make your own way home. Do not rely on getting a lift home from anyone. If you don't feel that you and your match are suited then please don't make any excuses, simply tell them that you have had an enjoyable time but you don't feel it would work and you would rather not take things any further.
Impostors and liars can be found anywhere, especially in “offline” places such as bars and nightclubs. The internet is no different, however they are more easily spotted online and we will always remove anyone from the site who is less than genuine.
Always use your common sense, keep in control and don’t be forced into doing something you wouldn’t normally do.
Above all - have an enjoyable time, be positive about yourself and try to relax. |
|
