We've already discussed basic online dating safety, but that is not the only time when you'll have to be aware of some safety issues. In fact, probably the most important time for you to be careful, is when you first meet singles in person. Although you will probably feel very comfortable already, having spent quite a bit of time chatting on your favorite dating service and/or talking on the phone, you should not forget that you are in essence meeting with a stranger. Here are some things to keep in mind when meeting for the first time: • Tell Someone About Your Date: let a friend know who you are meeting, where you are going and when to expect you to return. You should also consider calling and checking in with your friend at some point during your date as well as when you return home. • If possible, bring a friend along. If you don't find it difficult, ask a friend to come along with you. There is no harm in taking this extra precaution, and both your friend, and your new date should understand your apprehension. • Arrive Separately: Always provide your own transportation throughout the entire date-especially if you choose to go to a new location you are not familliar with. Under no circumstance, should you have your new date pick you up at home. • Meet singles in public: Select a public place at a time of day when there are other people around. This will provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for you to get to know each other better. • Keep it Short & Sweet: Make your first date an enjoyable one and plan on spending an hour or two together. Take the opportunity to get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. And remember, this is supposed to be fun! • Sticky Situations: If you ever feel uncomfortable in any way, excuse yourself and get assistance or leave the location entirely. Never feel embarrassed about protecting your wellbeing. Anyone who values your friendship will support your instincts 100%. If you decide to travel out of town to meet your new friend, there are some additional precautions you should take to maintain your safety: • Stay in a Hotel: This will be the most comfortable situation for you both. You should also keep your room number private until you have had an opportunity to spend some time together. • Give a Friend your Itinerary: Make sure that you tell at least one or two people exactly where you will be staying, and plan on checking in periodically. • Your First Meeting: You may want to plan on checking into your hotel before meeting your friend and arrange to meet in a public place. Chances are that if your relationship has progressed to a point where you are willing to travel to meet each other, you will have already established a certain level of trust, however it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Web Sites
Surf the web together. Launch up your ICQ or Instant Message software so you two can communicate and head out to your favorite sites. Share URLs with eachother and visit the sites at the same time. Visit a site about Paris, a favorite hobby, New York City's home page, you two can go anywhere you want, together.

You can do different things with this type of digital date. Plan ahead by making a list of the web sites you want to take your date to, ask him or her to do the same. Make it a theme web site date by selecting sites that are political, funny, weird, serious, romantic, or entertaining and visiting them all together.

Live Net Events
Attend a live Internet event together! You can find listings of live events, such as chatting with famous people or attending live concerts online, at these sites: AOL's People and Chat Directory, LiveOnTheNet.com, MSNBC Chat Auditorium Events.