SAFETY TIPS! Although this site is not strictly a dating community - it is inevitable that some people will form personal relationships because of all the great people we have here!! We are all adults - it is not up to the Management Team to tell you how to live your lives - all we can do is offer some sensible tips to ensure your safety - at the end of the day these are really just common sense. In a medium where faith in a potential partner is being put at an all-time high, it is important to know if you're stepping blindly. If you're considering an online relationship, or are currently in one, there are a few things you should be prepared to look out for.
RED FLAG #1:
Won't show you current or full body photos. While looks may not be important to you, your partner's ability to tell the truth should be. If you doubt the sincerity of any photo your interest has sent you, send a disposable camera with a self-addressed, postage ready envelope with instructions to take pictures and send the camera back to you. This way you can develop the film yourself. Of course, you'd probably only want to go to this much trouble if you are seriously interested in this person.
RED FLAG #2:
They do not have any solid contact numbers. You've progressed to telephone contact, but the problem is you can't ever contact them! If any of the following situations sound familiar, be prepared to further investigate the possibility of a spouse, live-in, or other
situation you may not be aware of.
......... You have to page them for them to call you back.
......... They use a separate line. If so, try calling their main line at random times.
........ You can only call during certain periods of time. Again, if this
applies to you, try calling at different time periods to see who answers
the phone.
........They will only call, therefore not allowing you to call them.
RED FLAG #3:
There are many different viewpoints towards a relationship founded through the Internet. To save future hurt and embarrassment, make sure you know your potential partner's philosophies. Do they view an Internet relationship as a real relationship, or is it a way to live out a fantasy life? If it's the later, be careful to avoid being their latest cyber fling.
RED FLAG #4:
Asks for money. Avoid getting into financial trouble by following a simple rule; don't
send money.
RED FLAG #5:
You're the only one making an effort or altering your lifestyle to have this relationship. This is a telltale sign of things to come if you develop an off-line romance. No relationship should be solely one person giving and the other taking. If you find this happening to you, talk about it to your partner and ask them to meet you half way in your efforts.
RED FLAG #6:
Your potential partner is overly insecure about your off-line or online activities. Just as in any relationship, a person who is overly insecure about something can end up being an emotionally draining experience. Take a step back, and really look at whether this is something you're willing to put up with if the relationship happened to last two to
three years. If not, move on and find someone more independent.
Remember, any relationship will have its red flags.
If you're really ready for an online relationship you'll be able to spot them, handle them and get on with your life with little or no loss.
Don't give out your phone number, last name, address or other information that may help locate you to anyone until you are sure you can trust them.
Someone can find out your phone number and address if you give them your last name and tell them your area - it's in the phone book.
People can become anyone they want to be online, even a photo isn't a guarantee -
You could find yourself having a shock when you meet the person in reality.
If you meet someone in real life:
a.. Always tell someone where you are going, who you are meeting and
when they can expect you home.
b.. Always meet in a public place.
c.. Don't invite anyone to your home or go to theirs until you feel you
know them well enough.
d.. Ideally, take a friend with you. Get your date to do the same and
have double the fun!
e.. If you've got one, take your mobile phone and make sure it's fully
charged and has calling credit.
f.. Get someone to call you at a pre-arranged time to check everything
is OK and give you an alibi if you want to escape.
REMEMBER YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY !!
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
