Online dating can be fun, but do not neglect safety and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate. At minimum, take caution in the following areas.

Computer Security

Make sure you have some kind of computer security before hitting the dating sites. You should have both a firewall and an anti-virus program for your email and when you browse the dating sites. A free firewall is made by Zone Alarm and a free anti-virus program is AVG.

Protect Yourself

Take care of yourself, too, by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable online dating service. How? Begin by asking around with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried online dating, and see which places they recommend. In addition, search …show more content…
Just like regular real-world relationships, online relationships need tending, to grow over time. Here are some quick growing tips.

1. Make time. Does your online date try to contact you on a regular basis? You need to do the same. Ignoring emails and chats is abusive. You need to treat each other with respect. If you see that respect is not there, you need to end the relationship.

2. Speed of things. Both of you should be on the same page when it comes to meeting. It is natural for a male to be a little more forward than the female when it comes to meeting. But he should not be too pushy about it. Neither should she. Being pushing gives off really bad vibes. There is no need to rush this. Spend plenty of time learning more about each other and developing trust.

3. Respect boundaries and privacy. Never share personal emails or photos with your other online friends.

4. Share both online and offline experiences. Online - send digital cards, website links, your favorite music and videos, pics of your pet, etc. Offline - send cards, postcards, and pics from your local area like a pic of your house, your car, the beautiful park across the street,