When in Doubt... Check them Out!

Dating is a risky business. You are letting yourself become vulnerable and giving your heart away to someone else. Are they worth the risk? Is there a way to minimize that risk? Are you having any doubts or nagging suspicions? Is your intuition nudging you and telling you to be careful, something may not be right?

When in doubt, check them out!

There are many sites, that for a small fee, will help you check them out and make sure their stories are true.Are they telling you they are single? Divorced? Have no criminal background? Why not make sure before you give your heart away? If you are going to invest time, energy and your feelings into someone why not make sure that someone is telling you the truth? of course we don't want to think they would lie. Of course we don't want to think we don't trust them enough and had them checked out. We may be afraid that if they find out, they will leave us.

Stop worrying about what they make think of you. If you were going to invest in a home, car, or anything else you would do your research. You would make sure you were not getting scammed or lied to. Do the same with your budding relationship before you jump in with both feet.

Internet dating has it's own challenges. People can claim anything and it may be hard for you to uncover the truth and you have to take them at their word. Sure, they say nice things and you feel a connection between you, but shouldn't you make sure they are who they say they are? Some internet romances may involve requests for money. How can you consider sending someone money but wont spend a small fee to find out if they are who they say they are? Look them up.

If there is no "joe blow" living in (insert town he said he lived in) that has no child named (insert name) you will have to face the reality that they are lying to you. If they said they are single but are showing up as married and NOT divorced, same thing. Don't you owe it to yourself to find out the truth? You owe more to yourself than this new person who entered your life. Play it smart, and lessen the risk of getting played.

Expert Online Dating Safety Tips

Expert Online Dating Safety Tips
When it comes to online dating, there is always the potential of danger quietly hiding in a seemingly harmless profile. For this reason, woman need to use common sense and to keep their safety as the number one priority when meeting an unknown person from a dating service.

This is not to put a damper to joining and surfing the many online dating services available today in the hopes of finding that perfect soulmate. But again, rules of good common sense need to be followed.
In fact, Dr. Robyn DeVal, an internationally recognized marriage and family therapist and relationship expert who has appeared on "Dr. Phil," CBS's "48 Hours" and "Fox News" nationwide, has a list of practical safety tips for woman.
"With the reach of the Internet and the growing availability of online dating sites, the world is literally at your fingertips," said Dr. DeVal, Executive Producer and Host of The Dr. Robyn Show, a web-based broadcast at www.thedrrobynshow.com.
"Who knows who you're really meeting in an online chat room? Safety and protecting your personal information must always be in the forefront of your mind."
The good doctor encourages women to use these safety tips for first meetings and conversations with possible suitors.
1) Spend time on the phone prior to meeting. But, do not give out your home or cell phone number.This way you get to feel more comfortable with whom you're talking to and create more of a "relationship." You may also find out more about the person from speaking with him. But, don't give out your phone number to set up the call. Armed with just a phone number, anyone can find out your home address and other personal information. This can lead to identity theft, stalking, or other unknown dangers. Use an anonymous phone service, like MyPrivateLine.com, which offers a disposable number that lets you talk to strangers without revealing your phone number. Once you feel comfortable, you can exchange personal information.2) Meet in a public place.When first meeting it's best to do so in a public place surrounded by other individuals. This way you don't have to worry about an uneasy or potentially dangerous situation.3) Never get talked into anything you do not want to do or feel you're obligated to do anything.If you feel like you're being coaxed or forced into an uncomfortable meeting or situation, it's best to avoid it. Just say no. Always listen to your gut!4) Do not get in his/her car.Getting into a car with a perfect stranger is not advised. Keep to your plan and stay in a public place for a first meeting. Don't let your emotions or the fantasy of it let you get caught up in a dangerous situation.5) Watch for red flags such as catching your stranger in a lie."Little white lies" often reveal much larger ones. If he will not allow you to call him or won't send any pictures, this may be a sign of a potential fraud! Ask him straight out if he is married and about his children and living situation. If he starts off a friendship with lies, odds are it will continue that way.6) Ask for several recent pictures before you meet.This way you know whom you're actually meeting. You don't want to find out the picture you saw online was from five years ago. Providing recent pictures also shows more honesty.7) Let someone know where and when you are meeting and anything you do know about him.This way if there is a problem, people know where you are, whom you're with, and when you're expected home. It will also be easier to create an exit strategy, if need be.

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