With the most romantic day of the year quickly approaching, you've decided Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to meet that special someone. For those of you new to online dating, post a photo that shows your best smile and have fun with a witty tagline. Add a unique profile about your favorite things and what you like to do in your spare time, but avoid disclosing private information like your name, where you live or work, or how much money you make. Sharing private details like this could make you a target for scam artists. For single parents, don't share information about your children until after you get to know the person with whom you are communicating, including any photos with you and your children.
For online daters who have already met someone fantastic and are ready to meet face to face, this is the chance to get all your friends in on the fanfare! After all, who better to share your anticipation with than your favorite pals?
Ask for your friends' help picking out a perfect outfit. Wear something that is comfortable and makes you feel great, but nothing too revealing or suggestive for the first meeting. Also, keep your friends posted on all the fabulous details - everything you've learned about your significant other like their name and cell phone number, where you're meeting your date, and what time you plan to be home. For all the savvy ladies shopping for a new clutch to go with your outfit, be sure it's big enough to hold essentials like a cell phone, change for a payphone, a list of important family and friend contact numbers, and cash or a credit card in case of emergency.
Remember to make your meal reservation early! You have your choice between tons of incredible restaurants, complete with staff dedicated to making your Valentine's meal unforgettable. An afternoon or early evening meal is perfect and the restaurant is sure to be bustling with fellow lovebirds. Arrive a little early so you have time to calm down before your date arrives. If available, valet parking is great since it's a safer, more visible place and you don't have to deal with the hassle of coming or going. Also, it removes the awkward post-date "do we take each other to our cars and kiss" scenario.
When your date arrives, keep the conversation lighthearted and fun. Stick to general topics like hobbies and humorous travel anecdotes. Steer clear of sharing information like where you live and work or weekly habits like where you buy your groceries. Also, if your newfound interest gives you a sob story about how they're struggling financially and need to borrow a few hundred or thousand dollars, do not offer to help, no matter how wonderful they seem or how heartbreaking their story. Financial scam artists are often charming and convincing. They frequently prey on older online daters, but now you know their game so you can hold your own by saying, "I'm sorry to hear about your hardship, but I cannot give you any money."
You're an incredible, intelligent catch. Therefore, first and foremost take care of yourself. If you don't enjoy your date's company or feel uncomfortable, you don't have to stay. Have a restaurant staffer safely escort you to your transportation. On the other hand, just because your date was as sweet and charming as you expected does not mean you owe them a night over at their place or an invite to yours. Take things slow. There will be plenty of time to learn more about each other.
Whether you're new to online dating or a seasoned pro about to meet your online interest for the first time, happy dating from the Safer Online Dating Alliance!
Internet Dating & Online Dating
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