It has become more acceptable to find love on the Internet...
So what precaution does one need to take to keep safe and enjoy the experience of finding love.
Just like any new relationship, disappointment, disillusionment or a broken heart might be the result of your investment rather than love and contentment...but that applies equally to meeting through a friend as it does on line. However the anonymity of online contact and the potential to be dishonest or predatory can be much more easily obtained.
So what can you do to protect yourself as best you can?
Firstly look at the site you wish to use and get a feel for its purpose - if you are looking for a long term relationship with a truly available single person, avoid the sites that use certain words to describe their clients activities... naughty, discreet marrieds, etc.
Look for a site that will protect your anonymity and personal information... and possibly your photo until you are ready to release it.
You may find it useful to use a site that tries to match your personality or interest, although this can be quite vague and one must remember this is a business; therefore you may be sent less congruent matches as they will want you to feel they have generated lots of choice and opportunities for you!
Common complaints and heartbreak I see in the practice involves deceit, using people for own gain, intimate sexual exploits they feel O.K to start with then end in disaster, people talking like they are fond of or deeply attracted to their new partner...making plans for or intimating there will be a future, only to end it abruptly or change their mind.
Not all people using dating sites or in life in general are honest or well adjusted and well meaning...be cautious.
Dating online means that people are often faced with lots of choice - all at once! Not everyone paces them self and chooses to date one person at a time. Some will make a decision to see as many as possible, some will start to engage and then be side swiped by a new face appearing or an offer for a date coming in. This extraordinary flurry of opportunity of choice and activity means that you may be happily dating unaware that the other person is on the look out to 'upgrade or have a change' at any moment.
Be always aware and take it for what it is..... an opportunity with no guarantees.
Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself.
Copyright © counselling in gloucestershire 2014 | Wise words for Internet dating
This may seem sexist but factually women need to be extra cautious as they are easier to physically overpower....although men are just as much at risk from fraudulent women that wish to contact them for other reasons other than an honest relationship.
Practically, you can do a lot to keep yourself safe.
Good luck on your search
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