Internet Dating or Online Dating is very popular these days. Your online dating can be a fun and convenient way to meet new people. To help keep it safe for everyone, be careful while communicating online. Here are some tips that may help you to be safe while online dating.

TAKE IT SLOW!
Try to take it slow. Date Link Networks is a great way to control the pace of a conversation and relationship. It's up to you to decide what pace you are comfortable with progressing at. Never let someone pressure you into intimate conversation before you feel ready. Beware of people that seem to be everything you are looking for and more. Although there may be that special someone in your Inbox, you should never feel pressured to communicate with them. The great thing about online dating is the selection process. You can review profiles, request photos and more information as you progress. When you get information, look for anything suspicious. If you feel like he / she is being less than honest, trust your instincts. drop it. That is no way to start a relationship anyway. Again, you safety and the protection of your privacy should always come first. If the situation makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.

GUARD YOUR ANONYMITY!
Never include your name, home address, phone number, email address, personal, Web site URL, place of work, or any other identifying information in your profile or initial emails you exchange with other members. Keep your private information private, at least until you develop some trust between you. You should reveal your information only when you feel comfortable about giving it out.

REQUEST A PHOTO!
Often, photos can help you get the "feel" of a person. If their appearance is clearly not how they described themselves and doesn't seem to match what they say, perhaps you should shouldn't have any further communication. In fact, it's best to view several images of this person in a variety of settings: casual, formal, indoor, and outdoors. Beware of members who offer excuse after excuse why they can’t provide you with photos. To many excuses shows they are either not very interested / motivated or they have something to hide!

PHONE CONVERSATIONS!
When you are ready to have a phone conversation, consider some methods to keep your personal phone number private. Use a cell phone or a caller ID and *-69 blocker. Contact your local phone company to see what options are available to you to maintain your privacy. Never give out your work phone number. Only when you feel completely comfortable should you furnish your phone number.

SO YOU’RE READY TO MEET?
Once again, we would like to point out that online dating has a great advantage over traditional dating methods. You are never obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. You alone have that control. By keeping yourself anonymous, you can request information and reply at your leisure. You can ask the person to slow down if they are requesting too much information right away or want to meet you. A gradual approach is usually best. Your first meeting is still very much an information gathering session. If you do meet or begin talking, you always have the right to change your mind and discontinue any contact at any time. You can always ask to keep your communication through Date Link Networks only. Again, this is your decision. Always go with your gut feeling after the first encounter. If you enjoyed the time spent together, then you decide, what is the next step?

WATCH FOR RED FLAGS!
When communicating with members watch for signs that may include impatience, anger, jealously, rudeness, extreme fits of frustration and attempts to control your actions or pressure you to do things. If you experience a person acting aggressively, "stalking" or pressuring you in any way you might want to stop contact with this person. You should certainly be alarmed if the member displays any of the following behavior:

• Provides you with inconsistent information about their age, appearance, marital status, employment, interests, etc.
• If the member appears very different in person from their online profile description and picture.
• If the user will not give you straight answers when you ask questions in a frank and direct manner.
• Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing a close online relationship or possibly even intimacy.
• If the member is reluctant to or never introduces you to their family, friends or co-workers.

CHOOSE A SAFE PLACE TO MEET
When you are finally ready to meet offline, select a place that you are familiar with. If possible, meet in a place where people may know you or see you frequently. Let your friend(s) know where you are going, and leave his / her name and phone number with them just in case. Choose a time that is busy. Try not to arrange late evening or early morning dates. A mid-day meet at a coffee shop or an evening at a restaurant is always popular. Be sure to arrange your own way there. Another alternative is to ask a friend to drop you off and pick you up. Never, ask your date to pick you up at you home or work place. If you are going somewhere else after the date, take care not to tell him or her. It's best if they didn't have the option of showing up there later. As well as you think you may know this person, he or she is still a stranger! Of course, you would never get into a car with a stranger! To summarize, put some thought into where you will be and how you can stay safe.

Be extra careful if you are leaving your local area!!
If you will be doing some traveling to meet this special someone, make sure you have a car and hotel room. You don't want any situations where you may have to stay late and be asked to stay the evening. If you do get a hotel, don't mention the name of which hotel you will be staying at. Again, make sure that a friend or family member knows where you will be and who you will be with. When you get to the agreed location, if it looks undesirable or unsafe, call your date to make arrangements to meet at a safer place you choose. If you change your plans be sure to let your friends and family know exactly what those changes are. Remember, safety comes first. If your date is offended because you don't feel safe, you probably don't want to continue anyway.

Have an exit strategy!
You should know you environment. If possible, upon arrival, park your car near the front entrance. This way if you should encounter a problem, your car is in a highly visible spot. Plan ahead for problems and have a method to solve it. Think of a couple good excuses to excuse your self from the table. It should allow you enough time to make a discrete exit or at least call or ask someone for some help / advice. If you ever uncomfortable or scared you should consider the date over. Look for a quite way to exit, or come up with a convenient "emergency". If your date is genuine, they will understand and address the issues that worried you later in a conversation. If they are offended, you were probably right to leave. If you ever feel threatened or in danger call the police. If you are concerned for your safety, it is no time to feel guilty or embarrassed. Your safety always comes first.

Using the Video Chat rooms!
As free service to all Date Link Networks members, we offer video / voice chat. If you decide to engage in a chat session with a member, remember that all the same rules should apply. Maintain your privacy, try to stay anonymous. Don't give up too much information about yourself right away. Make sure that there is nothing on your clothing or in your background that may reveal personal information about you such as diplomas hanging on walls or business letterhead. The video chat is an excellent way to quickly get to know someone's behavior. You see if they are what their profile says they are. Take the time to ask questions, not just answer them.

While liars, cheaters and imposters certainly play their craft on the Web. You will also find them in nightclubs and offline dating services, cocktail parties or even sitting across from you at your local cafe. Regardless of where you meet someone, dating is never a risk-free activity, but a little caution will reduce your risk in matters of the heart.

Now it's time for safety-conscious you to use a quick search to find a date!