The following tips are just some of the things you might want to consider as you begin online dating. These tips are not designed to scare you, but to encourage you to be smart, use common sense, play it safe, and have fun.

Your Profile

Basics - Some key facts about you: where you live, your age, etc. Most of the questions are optional, but the more you answer, the better your chances of attracting the right people.

Description - This part is easier than you think. Be creative, yet honest. Write enough to make it interesting, but not too much. In other words, just be yourself. Describe yourself and the person you are seeking.

Photo - A picture is worth a thousand words - well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but ads with photos get a lot more responses.

General Tips

• Try to always make the first move. Don't just sit and wait for other members to send you a message. Making the first move will show you are serious and will improve your chances.
• Be honest. Be truthful in your ad and in online conversations.
• Make your intentions clear. If you're just flirting, be sure that the other person isn't taking you seriously. Being honest can prevent disappointment for both you and your potential date.
• Just remember - you could end up meeting this person. You don't want to hurt others' feelings with false impressions.
• If you decide you want to give out personal information, be sure you're giving it to someone you can trust.
• Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Even if you feel it, it's a smart idea to save saying "I Love You" for a face-to-face encounter.
• Pay attention to habits and moods - are they changing? If something doesn't feel right, feel free to stop communicating with that person.
• Take it slowly. Spend as much time communicating electronically as is necessary for you to feel comfortable enough to actually meet the person. Don't be coerced into meeting face to face. If someone really wants to meet you, he or she will wait till you're ready.
• Just because you feel like you already know your date doesn't mean that you actually do.
• Treat your date just as you would any other first date. Use common sense and good judgment.
• Tell someone your plans. As soon as you have concrete plans, tell your best friend or a family member exactly where you'll be.
• Listen to your intuition - it's your best defense.

Request a photo

A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which may prove helpful in deciding whether to meet the person.

Chat on the phone

Wait till you're comfortable to call. Let the other person bring up the idea of talking on the phone. When he or she asks for your number and you're not ready to give it out, politely say "no," but ask for a number you can call when you're ready. If you decide to call, pay attention to who answers the phone and the background noises you hear. Do they match what you know about the person?

Meet in a safe place

When you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Do not arrange for your date to pick you up from home. Use your own transportation. Agree to meet in a public place. Go to a popular restaurant, cafe, bar or any public place where a lot of other people will be present. If it makes you feel more comfortable take a friend with you. Do not agree to meet anywhere isolated, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable for you. If you have a mobile phone, enter some emergency phone numbers and bring it along.

If things aren't going well, it will be easier for you to leave if you have your own way home. If you aren't driving, make sure you have enough cash in your pocket for a taxi ride, or arrange for a friend to pick you up at a designated time and place.

If you are meeting someone in another city, arrange for your own car and hotel room. Do not disclose the name of your hotel and never allow your date to make the arrangements for you. Call your date from the hotel or meet at the location you have already agreed to. If the location seems inappropriate or unsafe, go back to your hotel and try to contact your date at that location. Always make sure a friend or family member knows your plans and has your contact information. And if possible, carry a mobile phone at all times.

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