Safety Rules For Online Dating
There are many stories out there about
the perils of online dating. Some are
urban legends, and some are alarmist
or driven by contempt. Others ring true
[5] because we hear them from friends or
read about them in the newspaper. The
truth of the matter is that yes, there are
creeps out there who prey on people
that reveal personal information on the internet. It is also true that there
[10] are basic precautions you can take to keep them at bay. Follow these
strategies to date online safely:
Stay anonymous
This is basic, but it is easy to let things slip in your initial excitement when
someone contacts you. First, only use dating services that do not disclose
[15] personal information. Second, don’t reveal identifying information about
your neighborhood, apartment building, or workplace. Third, if you have
children, do not name them or their school.
Meet in a public place
It is not a good idea to go hiking on a secluded trail or rafting down
[20] a river on the first date. Instead, meet at a restaurant, coffee shop, or
mall some distance away from your home. Carry your cell phone and
keep it on at all times. At your meeting, if you have any reason to feel
uncomfortable or unsafe, leave.
Go with your instincts
[25] Usually, everything checks out and the person you meet is normal.
If your gut tells you otherwise, trust your intuitive judgment.
http://www.eromance.com/advice/onlinedating/article161.htm Access: 15th June, 2007 (Adapted)
In the text, the phrase keep them at bay (line 10) can be interpreted as
