Daily Handy Tips

Online dating can be fun, but do not neglect safety and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate. At minimum, take caution in the following areas.

Protect Your Computer

Take care of your equipment and systems before you head out into the Internet realm. You need to have a firewall and anti-virus protection for your email and for when you search websites and interact online. At the bare minimum, you may want these two solutions that are offered at no charge to home computer users (i.e. not for commercial use): a free firewall from ZoneAlarm and a free anti-virus program from AVG anti-virus.

Personal Security

Take care of yourself, too, by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable online dating service. How? Begin by asking around with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried online dating, and see which places they recommend. In addition, search “online dating services” and keep a notebook of their URLs or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any other useful information that spikes your interest. Then compare each place. Try only those places where you feel safe. Avoid the others.

Always think security first. Guard your computer with the right tools and arm yourself with the right knowledge and you will have a blast.

Now that we have discussed security, let us talk about growing an online relationship with someone. Just like all your relationships with family and friends, online relationships need tending to grow over time.

1. Relationships are about giving time and taking time. Does your prospect try and contact you on a regular basis? Do you do the same? Neglecting online chats, IM, or emails is a form of abuse and neglect. You both should be treating each other with respect. If you are not, then you should end the relationship.

2. Communication needs to “feel” right for both of you. If one of you is too pushy about meeting, for instance, that can give off bad vibes. So do not rush. Take time to learn more about each other and develop trust.

3. Respect boundaries and privacy. Never share personal emails or photos with your other online friends.

4. Share special online and offline fun times. Online - send greeting cards, links to favorite places to upload digital photos of your favorite pet, download music and video clips, post on favorite forums of interest. Offline - if you are exchanging addresses or post office boxes, send print greeting cards and postcards, and small items from your area (like a key chain with your state bird).

Tend your online relationship. Water it with care and over time it can sprout and grow.

May you enjoy this article on how to safely get started with online dating and building an online relationship. Are you depressed because a relationship recently ended? Would you like one more chance at making it work?? Go to I want my ex back