We live in a time where almost anything can be obtained quickly and without a real effort. Even sexual encounters have become part of the things we can obtain in just a few clicks, thanks to casual dating sites. It’s easy to be blinded by the obvious advantages this entails, but it’s more important than ever to be careful and responsible using these kinds of sites.
First of all, don’t start talking to just anyone – chose people you’re a minimum interested in to avoid wasting your time. In the beginning, it’s always wise to avoid using your full name, or even your real name. Talk about general things to get a feeling for the person. Don’t mention where you live or where you work or where your family lives in the first conversations. If you’re both there only for sex, personal information is not really necessary. Some people never reveals their real name, not even after having met and had sex with someone.
Trust is something you shouldn’t give to anyone just like that, no matter how hot her/his profile picture is. Trust is something you earn, and usually it takes time.
When you decide that you’ll meet the person for the first time, always chose a public place for the date. Never go home to some stranger you’ve only discussed with online. It may seem obvious, but it’s really important. If you’re in a café or a bar, and the person is not so attractive or charming as you thought on the site, you can easily go home after a while, saying you’re tired or that your friend is ill. However, if you’re at her/his home, this becomes way more difficult. Don’t feel guilty about not going “all the way” with someone you don’t even know. It’s a free market and you should only do what you really want. Always trust your guts. When is doesn’t feel right, it’s not right.
Also, before going on the first date, think of telling someone you trust that you’re going on a date with someone you met online. It’s important that someone knows what you’re doing and where you are, in case something unexpected should happen.
If the date went well and you want to extend the evening, a hotel room should be fine if you really want to keep it casual. Inviting someone you don’t know home, or going home to some random person can be dangerous, or at least putting you in a risk. But if you feel that it’s safe to do so, well, trust your instincts. Always use protection. And don’t forget to relax and have fun. Internet dating can be absolutely great when you’re conscious about the risks, and never putting yourself in danger.
