5 Essential Dating Tips

Whether it's the first time around or you're rebounding from a broken relationship, it's always a good idea to be prepared for the dating scene!  Here are 5 essential dating tips that you must read.

Dating Tip #1:  Online Dating Safety

Chances are, we've heard about a person who decided to meet up with another individual that they had chatted with online, only to never return home.  These types of incidences are not common; however, when it comes to online dating, here are a few tips to make sure that your online dating experience is fun and safe.

Trust Your Instinct.  If you have a gut feeling that something may not be right about the other person, stick with your instinct.  There's no need to feel uncomfortable when you're chatting - shut 'em off if it feels wrong.  If someone is abusive, block them immediately.  There are plenty of other personal ads to look through, so take your time and view a good number of them. 

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Keep Your Info Private.  Before agreeing to a date, make sure you know as much as possible about the other person.  Never, ever publish your phone number or email address in personal ads.  You can share your phone number after you've felt comfortable with someone. Never provide your home or work address to anyone you have not met.  If someone's pushing you for this information, don’t allow yourself to be talked into anything.  It's your life and your safety -- you are the one in charge!

Patience Pays Off.  Do not let anyone rush you into anything.  Take your time to get to know someone first.  A patient person will be happy to wait until you are ready to meet.  Chat on the phone for several weeks or more before arranging a date so that you can get to know each other.

Exercise Caution.  When it comes to the actual date, always meet in a public place that is well known and convenient to you.  Let a friend or family member know where you are going and who you are meeting.  If you have a cell phone, be sure to take it with you.  If possible, discreetly phone your friend or family member during the date so that he or she knows that you are fine. 

Another exercise in caution is to try to meet at lunchtime, and set a time limit.  Make your own travel arrangements.  You do not want to accept a ride home on the first date because this will reveal your address.  Keep the date to a time limit so that you have an ‘exit’ point.  This way, if you’re feeling uncomfortable, you can politely leave.

Dating Tip #2:  Dating Do’s and Don’ts

Have you ever had occasion to wonder whether or not you should or should not do or say something on a date?  Most of us have had that experience.  There are some unwritten dating "rules" that everyone should follow which will make everyone, male and female, much more comfortable and content with a date.