By Rick Freedom

Online dating has grown in popularity over the years as the internet becomes a way of life for many. With online dating becoming more mainstream and accepted, some women are still doubtful whether it is a safe way to make friends. Some of the questions that pop up in women’s minds include, ‘How do I know if he is not a wacko or serial killer?’ or ‘How do I protect myself if my date does not turn out the way I want it to?’ or ‘What do I have to do to ensure that I only meet the right type of people?’ or ‘How do I know if my date is not pretending to be someone that he is not?’ These are the types of questions that frequently pop up in women’s minds when they contemplate the viability of online dating.

Online dating can a fun and secure way to meet other people if you take the necessary precautions. It can be a great place to build loving and trusting friendships that lead to lasting, offline relationships. However, whether you decide to correspond online or meet members offline, sound judgment and common sense should be exercised. In both the virtual and real worlds, making an effort to find out more about your date is the best safety tool. The following are some online dating tips for women:

Do not meet up physically for a date immediately when you are at the beginning of the relationship. Take time to find out more about your new found friend first, by communicating solely via email. Then, observe if there are inconsistencies about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.

Stay anonymous until you have checked out the other person and are comfortable with them. Never reveal your real name, email address, personal web site URL, home address, phone number, place of work, or any other personal information during the initial stages of the relationship. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for personal information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.

Request for photos - Asking for photos is a great way to check out the appearance and get a general impression of the other person. If you are asked for your photo in return, do not give one. Some people make the mistake of posting pictures of themselves in a sexy thong or exotic lingerie, just to provoke a response. This is a definite no no!

Chat on the phone. Once you are fairly comfortable with the other person, the next step is to communicate by phone. Communicating by phone is a great way for you to evaluate a person as it allows spontaneous communication rather than planned replies. From the phone calls, you will also know whether there is any chemistry between you and the other person.

Meet up only when you are ready. The good thing about online dating is that you are not pressured to meet anyone until you are ready. Once you are ready to meet up physically and go out on a real date, remember to always meet in a public area where there are lots of people. Never go out on a first date in a secluded area no matter how well the date is going. Also remember to tell someone close to you where you are going and with whom. If you are flying in from another area, always pre-arrange for your own transport and hotel room. Do not disclose where you are staying and never allow your date to make the arrangements for you.

Dress appropriately on the first date. Do not wear any revealing or ‘see-thru’ clothes that show off your lingerie or any low-cut pants that show off your sexy thong. If you want to wear something more provocative, do so only after the relationship is more established and only if you wish to pursue the relationship further.

Rick Freedom is an aspiring author and entrepreneur whose interests include communication, human relationships, love, dating and philosophy. If you liked what you read, check out http://www.i1datingadvice.com/Dating-Books.html. For more dating advice, visit http://www.i1datingadvice.com