Purely Practical Tips (For dating on and off – line)
Whether you're off on your first blind date set up by a friend or you've found your love interest on Meet Perfect Singles, your personal safety should remain priority #1. We've compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts guidelines to help you stay safe. |
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DO guard your identity
Even in person, you wouldn't give your number out to just anyone. Don't share your real name, personal phone numbers, place of work, home address or any other identifying information while chatting or emailing until you are comfortable doing so.
Tip: Never post personal contact information in your Portrait. Don't risk having this information fall into the wrong hands.
DO remain anonymous
Remain anonymous until you feel safe and ready to explore other options.
Meet Perfect Singles gives you control over your online dating experience, and allow you to protect your true identity until you choose to reveal it.
Example: Sometimes, instead of asking for information, a person simply provides his or her phone number early in the email exchange. That doesn't obligate you to use it. You might say something like, "I'm more comfortable just exchanging email for the time being."
DO use a third-party, anonymous email address.
Meet Perfect Singles uses a "double-blind" emailing system that conceals true email addresses. Even so, hackers can breach nearly any technology. As an added safety measure, set up a third-party email address expressly for dating purposes and forward your Meet Perfect Singles emails there instead of to your personal email box. Make sure you turn off any signatures or identifying information in your e-mail.
Tip: Consider using a P.O. Box for snail mail.
DO be careful when using a sexy name.
Keep in mind that, while using sexual connotations in your email address or username might get you noticed, it probably won't attract the type of person you'd like to share a relationship with-or even a conversation for that matter.
Tip: Don't include your real name or city of residence within your email address.
DO use a current picture
Use a current pictures of yourself and be truthful in your description of yourself in your Meet Perfect Singles profile.
Misleading descriptions or photos can result in angry feelings and can end a relationship before it begins. In the long run, honesty is your best relationship tool.
DO trust your gut.
Immediately quit corresponding when you feel unsure or threatened.
DO pay attention to displays of anger, and intense frustration.
Whether it is online or off line contact, it is always wise to pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts at pressuring or controlling you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments, or any physically inappropriate behavior are all red flags indicating unhealthy or dangerous people.
DO block abusers.
Meet Perfect Singles STRONGLY encourages you to block any member who behaves in an abusive manner and to report the behavior to Meet Perfect Singles.
Examples of abuse include:
Married people or minors using the service
Members sending harassing or offensive emails
Criminals or other "shady" characters using the service
Fraudulent registration or Portraits
Spam or solicitation*
Copyright infringement
Members asking you for money or donations
Any other violation of Meet Perfect Singles’ policy
*Solicitation is an offer to sell something to someone. Our Terms of Use strictly prohibit the use of the site service for the purposes of solicitation. Please notify Meet Perfect Singles immediately if another member sends you links to pay-to-view porn sites or includes instructions on how to call a 1-900 telephone number. Additionally, report abuse in the form of invitations to join other singles' sites, emails about modeling opportunities or attempts to sell merchandise or services. |
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Meeting Off-line Think Safety First! A first meeting with any new love interest can be exciting - and most first meetings are perfectly safe, but it's always smart to take basic precautions. Trust your instincts. And be sure to keep the following guidelines in mind: |
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DO meet in public.
On first meetings, ALWAYS arrange to rendezvous in a populated, public place during daylight. Never meet in a private home (or in a hotel room) or in a remote location. Make sure to end the date while still other people present.
Tip: Don’t plan an entire day together. Meet for one activity for an hour or two the max.
DO tell a friend.
Tell at least one friend or family member who you are meeting, where you are going and when you expect to return. Let your date know your meeting is not a secret.
Tip: Contact your friend before and after the date or ask your friend to contact you at a predetermined time.
DO stay sober.
Refrain from drinking excessively, as it could impair your ability to make good decisions and may put you at risk.
Tip: Stick to nonalcoholic drinks when meeting someone for the first time.
DON'T leave home without your cell.
If you have a mobile phone, take it with you on dates. Most cell phones are can be used to call 911.
Tip: Make sure 911 services are available in your area. If not, know your emergency number.
DON'T ask the other person to pick you up.
Get yourself to and from the date, even if you have to have a friend to drive you or take a taxi.
DON'T leave personal belongings or drinks unattended.
Do not risk having your personal information stolen. The same goes for your drink - don't risk having it tampered with.
Tip: If you must leave your drink unattended to go to the restroom, order another drink when you return.
DON'T succumb to the temptation to take first dates to your home (or go to his or her home).
Stay in a public place, even if you are pressured. If you feel pressured, end the meeting and leave at once.
Tip: If you are followed to where you parked your car, stop and hail a taxi or go into another public place to use the telephone to phone a friend. Come back later with your friend to get your car.
DO set up a next date, if you are ready and feel comfortable.
And DO remember to follow all of these tips on subsequent meetings, until you feel confident with your new friend. If the other person is sincerely interested in you, he or she will want you to feel safe. |
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We've come a long way, baby - literally. Fifty years ago, the idea of "courting" someone who lived in the next town over (much less across the globe) was pretty much unheard of. Today, technology has made a mud puddle out of an ocean. But, while they may be increasingly common occurrences, long-distance first meetings pose special concerns. Always keep safety at the forefront and bear in mind the following tips: |
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DO stay in a hotel.
Tips: If you can't afford it, don't go. NEVER stay at the other person's home on your first visit.
DO use taxis to get to and from the airport.
If the other person wants to greet you at the airport - great! It shows interest and it's polite. But DO NOT get into a personal vehicle with someone you are meeting for the first time.
Tip: Arrange a public rendezvous location and time, then take a taxi - alone - to your hotel.
DO keep your hotel location private.
Until you are completely certain of the person's intentions, don't tell them exactly where you're staying.
Tip: To keep from disclosing your location on caller ID, contact your date on your cell en route to your rendezvous.
DO keep valuables in the hotel or room safe.
Don't take them or wear them on your date.
DON'T forget to keep family and friends posted.
Always tell someone who you are meeting, where you are going and when you plan to return.
Tip: Let your date know that your whereabouts are not a secret to your friends and family.
DON'T forget to use all our dating tips.
Read and learn each of our safety tips sections. |
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