Online dating has become a widely accepted form of finding a mate. Most people will agree that safe dating sites are a great way to meet people. About a quarter of those that use online dating sites have actually found their spouse or long term relationship through one of these sites. While there are many great success stories found on the internet, you must still be careful when using the Internet to find a date. There is nothing wrong with what can be referred to as ‘background check dating.’ This is pretty self explanatory, it’s when you look up the background of the person you are going to be going on a date with. You may feel like you know the person because of talking on the phone or emailing but the truth is, it’s very easy to cover up your flaws without seeing a person face to face on a regular basis. Utilizing background check dating will let you know if the person you are about to meet has a record involving any kind of violence or criminal activity. It might seem paranoid to some people but it’s actually very smart. Here are some other ways to make sure that you stay safe while using dating sites.
- The first time you meet should be in a well lit, well populated area. Daytime dates are an even better idea for the first few until you get to know the person a little more. The less opportunity for dark, secluded places, the better. Your date will think nothing of it if you tell him or her that you’d prefer to go for coffee or lunch or day time picnics before progressing to dinner. It’s perfectly normal to have the mentality that night time dates are more serious. If the person you are talking to is actually looking for the same thing that you are, then they will have no problem taking things slow. If you find that your date is pushing for a night time date or for something that you are not yet comfortable with, cut the ties and move on as soon as possible. Even if the person isn’t dangerous, you do not want to get stuck in a controlling relationship. This is a form of emotional abuse and should never be tolerated.
- Make sure you pay attention to your instincts. Don’t be so in love with the idea of finding love that you ignore warning signs. As cliche as it is, there are plenty of fish in the sea, so try your best not to see every one through rose colored glasses. If you know that this is your tendency then involve a friend in every step of the way. Show them all of your email conversations, texts and let them listen in on some phone calls before you ever even meet the person. It might even be a good idea to arrange a double date for the first couple of dates so your trusted friend can check out the person you are interested in. This is another reason that background check dating is a good idea. You could think the world of someone but if you look at their background check and see something there, it will be hard to explain or justify away in your mind.
- Don’t give out personal information on your profile. Of course, you need to be truthful and tell a little about yourself but don’t advertise your address and phone number or any details pertaining to your location other than general information like the city you are in. The less you give out the better. You don’t even need to share your name. You could set up a handle name online and get an email address that is specifically used for dating purposes. Then, little by little you can give out pieces of information as you see fit and to who you want to give them to instead of everything being able to see it all the time.
The point here is not to be paranoid with background check dating but to be aware and not to be naive. It can be a beautiful world but it can also be a dangerous one.