The at-your-fingertips availability for almost anything afforded by computers, even “meeting” new people, can be both a blessing and a curse at the same time. With computers fast becoming a staple business machine in the home and school office, millions upon millions of people the world over “cross each other’s path” while surfing the net, every day.

Busy legitimate singles with limited time can readily meet other singles with similar interests for friendship, dating, or commitment purposes while online. By the same token, insincere people, both male and female, easily prey on others who allow naivety to overrule common sense.

Online dating can be fun. Mr. or Ms. Right really can be found online via web site dating services, chat rooms, and other sites that help “connect” people one to another. That’s how I met my husband and best friend of eight years. So my intent is not to discredit the plausibility of Internet romance. It can be found!

I would, however like to offer sound advice on ways to keep you safe from the fraudulent few who surf the net looking for whom they can devour!

First and foremost, protect yourself by guarding personal information: your telephone number, address, the city in which you live, whether or not you live alone, where you work, where you bank, your income, etc.

As in the real world, be prudent about who you trust with private information. Common sense screams that protecting your privacy in the virtual world of the net is even more important, since you have no way of knowing who the person on the other end really is.

When you seek online dating from an Internet web site source, follow the guidelines about which type of things not to share with others about yourself while at that site. These sites have such guidelines for your safety.

In particular, things such as your name, telephone number, address, and where you work should be offered only to those individuals you are sure you can trust. Make that person earn your trust over a period of time. But even then, exercise caution and good judgment.

Stop communications with anyone who pressures you for personal information, tries to trick information out of you, or who mocks or makes fun of you for being so cautious. They are only attempting to manipulate you into disclosing the information they want. Reputable contacts will understand and appreciate your caution – especially if you are female dealing with a male.

Share with other family members and friends those Internet contacts you are involved in for extended friendship or for future dating or relationship purposes. Also let the person with whom you are corresponding know that your friends and family are aware of them. Not only will this help weed out the “insinceres,” but it could help insure your safety, as well.

Be responsible about romance; don’t fall in love at the click of the mouse or the drop of a few flattering phrases. True intimacy and romance develop over time. Avoid the slick romantic types who whisk you away to a private chat room after just “meeting” you, to try and involve you in sexy suggestive exchanges. You can be sure you are but one of many “loves” picked for a quick, cheap thrill and that nothing long term serious will ever develop. Drop the rat before they have a chance to rattle your cage.

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