Many women dating over 40 think that online dating is a great way to meet people you would never otherwise meet, but there are several dangers of Internet dating.
In order to successfully find someone special online, you need to be careful and smart about the things you share and with whom.
Too many women have fallen prey to liars online who end up hurting them emotionally, physically, or even financially.
Everyone knows that it can be hard to find love. But never allow yourself to become so desperate that you open yourself up to someone who will only hurt and cheat you.
Sometimes it can be impossible to know whether you can trust an individual since it is so easy to lie over the Internet.
This only means that you should be that much more careful lest you become a victim of abuse. Consider what happened to a California woman searching for love on a popular Internet dating website.
The dangers of internet dating are real! Just last month a 67-year-old was Alan Paul Wurtzel was charged for sexually assaulting Carole Markin, a woman he had met on Match.com.
The sexual abuse occurred when the two decided to take their online encounter to the next level and meet in person.
The assailant, Paul Wertzel faces charges of one year in prison and 5 years probation. Hopefully, this man is done with taking advantage of women online. But there are still so many men left who do so every day.
This date rape of Carole Markin is just one small example of online dating done wrong that goes on more often than the internet dating sites would like you to know about.
Do not let yourself become a victim. Begin by never giving out your home address. Your address should remain private, even after you have met in person. Even swapping phone numbers can pose a threat if your online mister becomes obsessive. Also, create a separate email address specifically for online suitors so as to protect your privacy.
When you feel that the time has come to have a personal meeting, choose a public setting for the first date. You could have a picnic at the park, go to a restaurant for brunch, or simply meet at the mall for ice cream.
The first date should be something simple and light as you take the relationship slowly.
As another measure of precaution, the first date should preferably take place during the daytime to eliminate the danger of dark corners and alleys where bad things are more likely to occur.
Although you are a grown woman and will want to some privacy with your online sweetheart, it is a good idea to make the first few meetings group outings.
Take a girlfriend or two with you for the first couple of face-to-face encounters.
In addition to being aware of the dangers of internet dating, your friends will be able to help gauge him.
If the guy is genuine, he will be willing to take things slowly and allow time for trust to develop.
