Here is a list of what you should and shouldn't do when meeting new people on the "net". You never really know who you're talking to or what they're motivations are until you actually get to know them. Before you do, here are the basics of being better safe than sorry.

The Basics

Do's & Dont's: Information 

When giving out a geographical location, limit yourself to a region only, rather than the exact name of a town, or neighborhood. If you live in a large city, giving that information out is fine, if you're in a rural area, it's better to stick with regional information. 

Don't brag about your assets. You're sending an open invitation to those who would defraud you. Con artists can be pretty and charming too. Many are. Limit how much information you give out but be truthful. 

When you put your picture on the internet, it very well may not stay where you put it. Anybody can right click on an image and take it from a web site. Once you put it up, its essentially in the public domain. Give a lot of consideration to putting your picture up, and never put a picture of yourself including someone else without first getting their permission! 

Do's & Dont's: Telephone 

Never give out your phone number until you know someone well! It may seem remedial to say this, but you may find yourself in the rather difficult position of having to screen your calls, being threatened or scared if you don't heed this advice. If you want to talk on the phone, get the number of a pay telephone near you, and arrange a time when you can be at that phone. Make sure the payphone you select is able to receive incoming calls. 

If someone suggests you call them collect - your telephone number will appear on their bill. The same is true if you call someone's toll free (800) or (888) telephone number. 

Activate your Caller ID Blocking feature so that your telephone number is blocked by the phone company and your phone number is "private". 

Do's & Dont's: Checking for Honesty

When you chat on the phone what can you hear in the background? Does it match the information you have been told? Is the household supposed to have children, pets, etc.? Verify the phone number. Call Directory Assistance and insure that your date's phone number matches the name they gave you... If your date's number is unlisted, Directory Assistance will verify that 'so and so' has a number, but its unlisted. 

Get a physical address and mail a card. Use a return address that will not reveal your identity or your physical address (i.e. just use your screen name and a PO Box or work address) and see if the card is returned for any reason. Allow a minimum of 10 days to receive returned mail if the address turns out to be bogus. 

Ask about previous relationships. Was your date previously married? In any long term relationships? Why did they end? Does there seem to be any remorse? Should there be? Does your date seem to have recovered from the separation or dissolving of the relationship? Always yourself "What previous relationships would say about you?" Whether it feels right or wrong ask questions. If it doesn't seem to add up, maybe it doesn't.... 

Do's & Dont's: Netiquette 

Your "Handle" is your moniker. It's the name everybody on personal and chat sites associate with you. Want trouble? Use a suggestiove name like HotBabe or anything ending with "69". It's a sure way to get attention - whether you want it or not. Ask yourself what kind of person do you want to attract are you tempting with that kind of handle? Ask yourself that when thinking about a "handle" for yourself. Think about your best qualities and proceed accordingly. 

Maintain some kind of appropriate decorum in Personals and Chat sites. If you're looking for trouble, go to an adult site that encourages that kind of behavior. If you're seriously looking for a mate, they are not going to be the kind of people who want to orgy with you in the Main Lobby of a chat site. You only diminish your own self-respect.

First Meeting

After you've talked online, and on the phone, and have exchanged poems, cards, and pictures.. it's time to meet. Even when you're totally convinced that you've played it safe, and used your best judgment, you must still exercise extreme caution meeting a stranger for the first time. Keep in mind, this is not a blind date set up by a trusted friend. Its a person that you've found online or that has found you. The following constitute basic commonsense guidelines that err on the side of caution. 

Clarify everyone's expectations. Nothing hurts a relationship or friendship more than poor communication! If you are both on the same wavelength you are less likely to get hurt. If you are not, wait until you are before meeting. 

Always Tell a Friend or Relative where you will be and write that information down! 

Get a cellular phone. Even if everything goes well, what if something unexpected occurs or you are followed home? Lock the car, don't open it for ANY reason unless you see red lights in your rear view. The cell phone is your friend. You don't even have to have good credit to get one now. 

Meet in a Public Place. Don't meet in a parking lot, you don't have protection in a parking lot because you have no idea who is in another car. You can be easily overpowered.

Be very aware of your surroundings! Memorize important landmarks such as where the telephone is, park in well lit areas, and if possible, ask someone to walk you to your ride home in the event the first meeting does not go well

Don't allow yourself to be picked up from home for the first meeting with a total stranger. If you don't own transportation, get a ride from a friend, take a cab, or bus. If you plan to drink, get a ride from a friend. You are strongly advised against becoming inebriated in the presence of someone who is, basically, a stranger. 

Don't leave your drink on the bar. If you have excuse yourself for whatever reason, take your drink with you. Alternatively, dump it and order a fresh one when you return. Rophynol and homemade knockout drops are very fashionable now! Be safe, be smart, be aware. Cranberry Juice has a partial antidotal effect on drugs like Rophynol. While it doesn't prevent you from becoming unconscious, it allows you to retain some memory of the events.

Don't leave your valuables unattended. Contained within whatever you carry is not only the obvious personal information, but your car and house keys. You may not notice they're gone. 

You only have one life, protect it!