ReadersCircle.com Safety Tips
Online dating can be a fun, rewarding experience, but like anything else it has its risks. We've developed the following guide to help you be aware of possible safety issues and suggest how you can get the most out of ReadersCircle.com.
Online Communications
Even when you're just exchanging messages online, there is a lot to be attentive to that can avert any complications. Please remember the following:
1. There is no rush to find a date or meet in person.
We can all be impatient to meet someone special, however, you have to be mindful that seeing how someone expresses themselves in print is an important initial step. Ask some open-ended questions, questions which require consideration and don't lend themselves to a formatted reply. Of course, questions that are too involved can be off-putting, but there's no reason you can't get a personal reply that shows a measure of thoughtfulness.
2. Grammar matters.
We can't speak for other online dating services, but ReadersCircle.com aims to serve educated professionals. If someone cannot write, move on. They're not who they're pretending to be. If English isn't their first language, have them write in their mother tongue and pass it on to a friend who speaks the language. Again, there is no excuse for writing poorly.
3. Don't hesitate to block profiles.
Should you encounter any abusive or inappropriate behavior online, please block the user's profile and report the incident to ReadersCircle.com immediately.
4. Assuming things go well, a phone call perhaps?
This is obviously at your discretion, because who you give your number to is your decision; however, it is possible to detect things over the phone that you can't online, and speaking to someone by phone should at least be considered as an additional method of screening people and getting to know someone before you meet them in person.
5. Make your own informed decision.
It's important to realize that every series of exchanges online does not end with an date. Just because you have invested time in wrting someone online, that doesn't mean you should feel obligated to meet them in person. If at any time you feel pressured or unconfortable, it's time to move on.
Meeting in Person
It's important to understand that the first time you meet someone offline, you should prepare yourself not for a date, but for date 0. That is, you don't know this person. This is not a romantic outing. This is business. You're there to review the candidate and make sure they're safe, in so far as that is possible. A few recommendations then:
1. Always meet in public.
There is NO REASON to meet anywhere other than a public establishment when you are first meeting and still getting to know someone, even after a number of dates.
2. Select an outing that is simple and low pressure.
The more that goes into planning an event, the more expectation it creates, and that is not what you want here. You want the most simple, the least involved outing possible. Coffee. Perhaps lunch. In fact, be suspicious of any proposals that are more involved.
3. Women, do bring a friend if you wish.
There is no reason a man should feel threatened if you wish to bring a friend, and it's smart policy. Having a friend beside you makes sure someone else is there looking out for your interests, especially if it turns out that the candidate is not.
4. Use your own transportation.
This one is just common sense. You're not inviting anyone to your home whom you don't know. You can drive to and drive home from wherever you choose to meet, on your own. Offering a ride is not courtesy; it's creepy.
5. Do not leave your drink or belongings unattended.
This applies as much here as it does any other time that you might be out with friends having a drink. Just because it's coffee, doesn't mean it's different.
6. Always bring your cell phone.
Again, because you're meeting in a public place, taking your own transportation, possibly bringing along a friend, you should be well prepared. But having your phone is an essential. For the very reason that you might take having it with you for granted, it's good to consciously make a point of bringing it along, fully charged. ;-)
Thank you for taking the time to read over our safety tips! If you have any further recommendations to add, we would certainly be happy to hear them. We learn from your feedback, so please do write to us. Thank you again for choosing ReadersCircle.com!