Stay Safe and Happy With These Online Dating Tips

A few years ago, online dating was frowned upon and was considered something that ‘good’ women and men did not even think about doing. Fortunately, this mindset has altered tremendously, and it is now usual to use the internet to discover the love of your life.

Even with all of the applications, swiping left and right, and algorithms that supposedly match people with similar interests and opinions, internet dating can be a maze. How do you say hello – or goodbye? How do you decide when to meet? What if you do not like them in person or there is no chemistry? How do you stay safe?

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#1 Algorithms will help you – but do not be afraid to take control yourself

Algorithms are generally effective. They look at the information we offer when we sign up for the app or website, pay attention to some of our preferences, look at our location, and match us with individuals who live in the same region, have similar interests, or are the same age as us. . It saves us a lot of time and effort weeding through people who live hundreds of miles away and are meat-eaters when we are vegan, guys or women with children when we are looking for someone without kids or individuals who just sound totally boring.

Algorithms, on the other hand, are not sentient and cannot fathom your thinking. They can make educated estimates, yes, but they can also make blunders or be overly or underly carefully. Take charge; if you like the way someone looks, like them, swipe them, or, if you are feeling courageous, message them. They might not be the person you wind up chatting to or dating, but it gives the app and algorithm a better idea of what you want and allows them to show you more of it.

#2 Video chat before you meet

With the option to use FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, and even Facebook for video conversations, there are so many methods to video chat today. It is a good idea to see your date before meeting him or her. This may also help to lessen the chance of getting “catfished” by someone posing as someone he or she is not.

#3 Meet in a public place

Avoid going somewhere private with your date on the first or second date. Instead, meet in a public place with a large number of people, such as a restaurant, cafe, skating rink, or any location with a large number of people. If you feel uneasy, there will be other individuals nearby who can assist you. Furthermore, this allows a family member or acquaintance to hang about in close proximity to ‘rescue’ you if things are not working. 

Another great tip: if you go to a bar or restaurant, use a code to let a bartender or waiter know if things are not going well on your date. Some clubs have secret codes, such as asking if XXX is working that night that patrons can utilise to alert a staff member that something is not quite right and they feel at risk. 

#4 Stay safe

Protect yourself physically as well as emotionally. Allow yourself time to get to know the person before picturing love, marriage, and babies after a week of messaging. Remember that anyone can say or be anything online; whether they are that person in real life is a different thing altogether. You must also take precautions to keep yourself safe.

Do not give out personal information, and when you eventually agree to meet someone, make sure a family member or friend knows where you are, who you are with, and when you will be back. If things do progress further – if you are willing for that to happen – remember to engage in safe sex. While there are methods for preventing unintended pregnancies, such as the morning after pill, these will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

If you do think you have put yourself at risk, make an appointment with your doctor or visit your local sexual health clinic and get tested as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a huge difference to your health, and while you are waiting for the results, abstain from unprotected sex to protect you and your other partners.

Online dating can be both daunting and stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun. Relax, have fun, and who knows, the man or lady of your dreams could be the next person you click on!