You spot this really cute guy online. Few mails and messenger chats later, he’s captured your attention, totally and completely. Before you take a step further, Stop! And read through our safety tips. It’s better to exercise caution now than repent later.
Slow And Steady Wins the Race. Remember this age old adage? Go by it, because it makes much sense. Begin by first communicating solely via email. Be on the lookout for inconsistencies or eccentricities of behaviour. Watch out for someone who seems too good to be true. ‘Listen’ to your correspondent’s words. The person at the other end may not be who or what s/he says. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable end the communication immediately, because it’s nothing less than your safety that we are talking about.
Stay Anonymous. A little bit of mystery helps in every relationship. And in online dating it might even save your life! The ground rule of Cyber Dating is – do not reveal any personal information/ contact number or address under any circumstance. Make sure your email signature file is turned off. Never respond from your personal email address which might have your name or surname in it. Create a user id other than your genuine name say for e.g.  Take all the time you need to become comfortable with your correspondent before revealing any contact information. Ask questions and make sure you are satisfied with the answers. Trust your instincts, move cautiously and be selective.
Be Smart.  Online Dating requires you to be in tune with what the surfer is saying. Be quick on your uptakes. Being innocent, gullible and vulnerable is not going to work in your favour. Any prospective suitor must earn your trust gradually, through consistent, honorable, forthright behavior. Don’t fall in love at the click of a mouse. Don’t become prematurely intimate with someone, even if that intimacy only occurs online.
Exchange Photographs. It’s a good idea to view several photographs of your online date before becoming extremely familiar with the other. That helps give a clear face to the person you are interacting with. Viewing photos may also prove helpful in achieving a gut feeling about your correspondent.
Talk on the Telephone. Have known your cyber date for a considerable period of time? Feel secure and comfortable with him? If you feel ready then, maybe you can take the relationship a step further and exchange numbers. Communicating via phone can reveal plenty about a person’s nature and social skills. Protecting your security is worth the cost of the call.
Meet ONLY when YOU Are Ready. Meeting has to be your decision. And you have to be sure about it. Take your time, get to know the person and only then take a plunge. Go with your gut feeling, even when they cannot be logically explained.
Watch out for Red alerts. Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressurize or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behaviour are all red flags. You should be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following without an acceptable explanation

• Offers inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, job, etc. • Refuses to speak to you on the phone even after ongoing online intimacy. • Fails to give direct answers to direct questions. • Appears significantly different in person from his/ her online persona. • Never introduces you to friends, colleagues or family members.-indiaimes.com