Internet Dating Traps to Avoid

By Julian Cowie

So internet dating is here to stay. These days it is an accepted way to meet people. There are thousands of dating sites online.

There are however some drawbacks and traps to avoid. The one that is obvious is that being online you can be whoever and whatever you want to be. So people can lie about their age, post photos that are from way back or even post photos of someone else. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with chat rooms and different sites to get a feel for how they operate. Most of all use your instincts and your common sense.

You may have meet a drop dead gorgeous woman or man from another country and after a month she or he is keen to visit you, there is only one problem, no money, can you send five thousand dollars. Your offers of an air ticket instead are not so attractive. Well there are other expenses related to travelling and it all mounts up. Then there is Fluffy the cat, little fluffy has to go to the cattery for a few weeks. Strange you never mentioned you had a cat before.

Forming a relationship with someone from another country can be very risky, but people do, and some couples make it work. One just has to sort out who is genuine and who is just out to get your money. Every relationship is different, and only those involved can decide what is best for them.

Lets say you have a great profile and good photo and your ad attracts a few replies. The thing to remember here is that the whole purpose of what you are doing is to get a physical date. You can spend time in chat, sending emails to each other, but the danger is you will be building up a friendship but never get to go on an actual date. If friendship is all you want then that's ok.

To get a date you have to move things along. Give her your phone number, or, ask for her phone number. You will soon find out if she or he is serious or not about going on a date.

Once you get her phone number you can establish some rapport and set up your first date.

Your first date should be romantic, perhaps, but something that won't put her under any pressure. She will need to feel relaxed and comfortable with you. You will want to talk and get to know each other, so you can decide if you want to see each other again. Going to the movies on a first date is not a good choice. Think outside the square. Be yourself, be original.

Perhaps you don't meet on the internet, but on the street, in the supermarket, the bus station or wherever it doesn't matter. Try to set up a date right away. Ask her if she is free at the weekend. Does she have time for a quick cup of coffee.

If she is not available then ask her for her phone number and you can call her up and arrange a date later. Don't draw it out too long, she may think you're not interested if you don't ask her out. Of course there are many tactics you can use, but we will save those for later.