online dating and safety

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2006
online dating and safety
4
Wed, 05-17-2006 - 10:03am
In real life dating, you meet someone at work or through friends, and there's a certain level of trust built before you ever go out with them. But with online dating, I'm meeting complete strangers. How many dates do you go on before you let the online guy pick you up in his car, or before you agree to go to his place or have him over at your house? I had a first date with this nice guy, and he wanted to go for a walk at a park afterwards. But it was raining on and off and getting kind of dark, and when we got there I really didn't feel safe at all. There was no one else really around at first, so I basically backed out, saying it was too wet and getting dark. Then these other people showed up to walk their dog. He was nice about it, but I'm not sure what the rules are here? When can you assume he's not psycho?
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2005
Sun, 05-21-2006 - 4:22pm
BUMP
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2005
Sun, 05-21-2006 - 8:24pm

Hmm, that is a pretty good question. I met my bf through online dating. We had our first date, on a Saturday (with my sister and her bf) and on that following Tuesday I was going to go to his house, he lived at home with his Mom, Step Dad and Sister. To make a long story short, I was in a pretty bad car accident Tuesday Morning on the way to work. He came to the hospital to see me and my Mom had to take my Dad to his cancer treatments so he took me home, 3 days after I met him. I felt pretty comfortable with him, he is a C.O. so I think that had a little bit to do with it. Sorry, I'm not much of a help. I guess it just depends on the person.

Cheryl

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Mon, 05-22-2006 - 8:57am

Except for meeting people thru freinds, as you said - there are many times in the past (prior to marriage) met guys just "out" ... yes, lol, bars - but at the beach, whatever.

Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2006
Mon, 05-22-2006 - 12:08pm

mslauren30,

I too am new to online dating, as a matter of fact I am having a first meeting this Saturday with a man that I met online. I have never spoken to him on the phone. I have seen pictures of him. We're meeting for lunch. In his last email he gave me his cell & home phone numbers. I gave him my cell number, but not my home phone number. I told him it's all about safety for me and I just didn't feel comfortable giving him my home number until after we meet. I have read many posts on this board and they have helped me tremendously. If you are uncomfortable or don't feel safe...don't do it. I hope this helps.

Rosesared