Most people are now at least somewhat familiar with online dating, dating apps and meeting people online for hookups or friends with benefits. However, this shouldn't mean that you don't exercise caution, be naïve or let your guard down when first meeting new people. At Frenefits UK we always recommend a safety-first approach to ensure you can have fun in a safe and comfortable manner:
- Always Exercise Caution and Common Sense - Careful, thoughtful decisions generally yield better dating results. Guard against trusting the untrustworthy and ensure suitors must earn your trust gradually, through consistent, respectful and decent behaviour that both parties are comfortable with. Take whatever time and pre-caution you are comfortable with, always pay careful attention and never be pressurised into doinalong the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he or she probably is, so act accordingly. Be responsible and you can talk to other members and ask their advice - word spreads fast about creeps and frauds.
- Too Good to Be True - Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. Begin by communicating solely via chat or email, then look for odd behavior or inconsistencies. The person at the other end may not be who or what he or she says. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.
- Guard your Anonymity - All correspondence between members takes place through the system, ensuring your true identity is protected until you decide to reveal it. Never include your last name, email address, home address, phone number, place of work or any other identifying information in your profile or initial messages. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it before you are ready to do so.
- Always Exercise Caution and Common Sense - Careful, thoughtful decisions generally yield better dating results. Guard against trusting the untrustworthy; suitors must earn your trust gradually, through consistently honorable, forthright behavior. Take all the time you need to test for a trustworthy person and pay careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he or she probably is, so act accordingly. Be responsible and you can talk to other members and ask their advice - word spreads fast about creeps and frauds.
- Request a Photo - a photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling. In fact, it's best to view several images of someone in various settings. If all you hear are excuses about why you can't see a photo, consider that he or she has something to hide. Some people though do genuinely not have a digital photo to send. Just trust your instincts.
- Chat on the phone - A phone call can reveal much about a person's communication and social skills. Consider your security and do not reveal your personal home phone number to a stranger. Try a mobile phone number instead or use local telephone blocking techniques to prevent your phone number from appearing in Caller ID. Only furnish your phone number when you feel completely comfortable.
- Meet when YOU are ready - The beauty of meeting and relating online is that you can collect information gradually, later choosing whether to pursue the relationship in the offline world. You never are obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. And even if you decide to arrange a meeting, you always have the right to change your mind. It's possible that your decision to keep the relationship at the anonymous level is based on a hunch that you can't logically explain. Trust yourself. Go with your instincts.#
- Watch for red flags - Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags. You should be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following behavior without providing an acceptable explanation: Provides inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc. Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy. Fails to provide direct answers to direct questions. Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona. Never introduces you to friends, professional associates or family members. Trust your own judgement.
- Meet in a safe place - when you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Leave your date's name and telephone number with your friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time with many people around, and when the date is over, leave on your own as well. A familiar restaurant or pub, at a time when a lot of other people will be present, is often a fine choice. When the timing is appropriate, thank your date for getting together and say goodbye.
- Get yourself out of a jam- never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and get out of there. Excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice, ask someone else on the scene for help or slip out the back door. If you feel you are in danger, call the Police; it's always better to be safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behavior; your safety is much more important than one person's opinion of you.
- Harassment - If you ever feel harassed, get abusive emails/phone calls or text messages from a user, report them. You can also report them to your phone operator and have their number blocked from contacting you.
