I know that in our busy world more and more of us turn to online dating as a viable way to meet potential new dating partners. With that being said, we should also address how to date online safely, and how to avoid some of those red flags. When meeting people in a face to face environment we get many more clues and signals than when we do online. So, we should pay attention to what is being said or not said in email. Here are a few suggestions that are worth taking a look at.

Listen, I mean really listen to them. What are they saying? Does it make sense? A huge red flag is if someones past time line doesnt make sense or if it just doesnt add up. Now, it is unlikely your going to meet a doctor who has ten years of experience at age 25. Look for this. Are they talking too much about their ex? If they are constantly talking about their ex, on some level they are still invested with their ex. Stay away. Do they have a criminal history? You may not want to date someone that committed manslaughter no matter how compelling his reason for it was.

Get a current photo. Make sure you post one. We all gain/lose weight, and hair. Be honest. If you expect someone else to be honest, make sure you are. You may need to ask if this picture current. In fact ask for more than one photo. I know we all shouldnt be superficial like that, but you definitely want to know what your signing up for

Meet soon. Meet in a public place, meet that person there. Do not leave with them, leave your form of transportation, or any other means of travel that you have. Meet soon to avoid developing large amounts of emotional intimacy before seeing the total picture. This perspective partner may have twitches, poor personal habits, poor eating habits, may cuss like a sailor. You get the idea. Once again make sure you know what the person is all about.

Dont rush into a relationship. Take your time, when we are in love we also need to keep the brain engaged. Sometimes the person who turn us on the most, offer the least in terms of a potential relationship. You do not need to get married, go steady, date exclusively after the first date. Wait.

You may want to look into checking into the persons background. Get their full name, where they work, and their home phone number. You can do something simple like verify that the person lives at the phone number they have given you. If the phone number they have given you is to a Mr. and Mrs. look for this. It is a simple check, you can do for free.

The main thing is make sure your being safe when you chose to date online. You do not know the other person, and you do not have the normal signals that you would if you were dating someone face to face. Be careful, honestly people will do these things, just as you would. Do not waste your time on relationships that are built out of dishonestly, or misinformation. Your time is worth too much to you do to anything otherwise.