Last Monday I was talking to Corey, considering buying a membership to Great Expectations Dallas. As of this minute, I write to the blogosphere as a delightfully single member of the matchmaking service. Seriously, and I almost don’t believe it myself! It’s full of fun, attractive people! If you know me at all, you may be wondering, “You totally owe me an explanation.”

So, I saw this dating site called Great Expectations and can really get behind their approach. They’re for the serious singles who know dating should mean something.

‘Cause I’d never enjoyed or even tolerated whatever it is that serial daters (ie: everyone I know) so aptly entitled “The Dating Experience.” I heard it more than you know. Every night they nagg, “Are you seeing somebody?” and “Oh I know just the guy for you!”

“Baloney!” I reply, and playfully so. “Have you seen what’s out there?”

“You’re as ridiculous as you are hilarious,” they reply. “You haven’t dated in a year, you wouldn’t know!”

Thankfully, that’s my best friend The One-And-Only hah! Patty Feldman. She beams common sense to my mind to set me straight. Loved ones I depend on to offer perspective. Can’t argue with that, and I thank her for it.

Returning to the meaning of this blog entry. As I browsed from thousands of outfits (hah) and desirable, honest singles for my first Great Expectations date, I realized something deep. For years, I hadn’t allowed myself any emotional great expectations for dating in the serendipitous winding course of being human. Being single isn’t so bad, even more so if you take the opportunity to meet new people. Embracing your own great expectations works terrifically on a cynics social life.

+Denise Ross

1. Number one tip for being safe while online dating, starts with your online profile. You don’t want to reveal all your private data in your profile for the public to find. You should simply comunicate with the other members through the messaging system of the dating website. Once you feel more comfortable, you can choose to disclose your personal info and maybe even go out on a date. And if you do find out that the individual you are talking to is a weirdo – and it is bound to happen – your private data is confidential since you are using the messaging system of the singles dating online site.

2. If and when you do decide to go out on a date, I would definitely not let them come to your house for dinner or any other reason. Not a good idea! and No, you should not even make them pick you up at your house. You should decide on a public place to meet.

3. Another thought is to make the date a double date, maybe with a friend that also is into dating online. This is good for 2 reasons – there’s someone you know with you, and you can also have a way to leave without your date if they’re boring!

4. The first date should never be in seclusion or in a private area. This could get you in a dangerous situation. You don’t truly know these people you meet online. A eating place or some common space like a park is a much better idea. It’s constantly easier to be safe than sorry!

5. You probably shouldn’t booze on the first date. If you ever had to – just have a few. And don’t have your date get your drink. Get it from the barman or waiter. And do not allow for your drink alone (like if you goto the rest room).

6. You should make sure someone (roommate or friend) knows where you’re going or at least when you should be expected back. This way, if something does happen, if an accident were to happen, or something worse, at least someone will know where you were or when you were supposed to be back.

By holding to these easy rules, you know some points to keep yourself safe with singles online dating sites. Since you know that you will be safe – you can now have some fun when you go out on your date with your new online partner!

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