Ten Commandments of dating on line

1. Trust your instincts.
Even though you might be nervous about meeting someone for the first time, if you should have serious second thoughts, Be prepared to call the date off or if you are on the date, don't be afraid to excuse yourself and end the date. Especially, if the facts start to not add up, or if your date presents an image that is negative and frightening.

2. Don't put yourself at risk.
Choose a public or popular place for your first date. Don't isolate yourself, provide your own transportation or have a friend take you to the meeting place and pick you up.
Make sure you let someone know about your date and where and when you are meeting.
Make sure you remain in control of your senses. Don't do anything that could impair your decision making process, like drinking too much.

3. Be smart
Remember the conversations that you have shared with your potential date. If there are contradictory stories or they tell you things that don't make sense, be prepared to end things there.

4. Honesty is the best policy.
Never overstate your background or qualifications, it can come back to haunt you. You want to start a new relationship on solid ground. If you don't want to reveal every detail about yourself at this time that's fine, but don't exaggerate or lie about things.
Just as you should be honest, expect the same from your date.
If they are evasive or seem to be holding back on questions you have, don't be afraid to push a little for more satisfying answers.

5. Protect yourself.
Do not reveal too much information about your personal life in your profile. If you have kids, especially small children, it is wise not to include them in photographs that you post with your profile. Do not reveal your last name until you are sure this is someone you want to get to know. Communicate through the dating service website initially, until you feel comfortable enough to give out your own personal email address. Once you have established a mutual "connection" set up a phone call.
Hearing a person's voice and the way they express themselves can be very revealing.

6. Be informed.
Make sure you ask pertinent questions of your perspective date. Don't be afraid to do a little research to check out the person before you set a meeting. Ask about where they went to school, where they work, where have they lived.
Never assume anything, it is even ok to ask how long they have been single or are they married or have they ever been married. They may lie, but give them the opportunity to answer the question truthfully.

7. Go slow.
Everyone who is searching, is anxious to find someone, however, keep things in perspective and do not jump at everyone who shows interest. Set standards and try to stay with them. Don't compromise, there are lots of people out there.

8. Be Creative, BUT...
Everyone wants to look appealing in their profiles, but don't over do it. Too provocative or suggestive profiles will conversely attract the wrong people. Don't be too revealing. Give your perspective dates something to wonder about. Be friendly and up beat and show your positive traits, but don't be overtly sexual.

9. Don't play games.
Searching for a mate or significant other is a serious business.
It can be a wonderful experience to get out and meet new people. Even if it doesn't turnout to be the romance you have been looking for, you can still make a lasting friendship.
Treat others honestly and fairly, you can be playful, but not harmful. Leading people on or giving them a false sense of interest will get you into trouble. Some websites have chat rooms or message boards and you can get a reputation as a tease or dishonest person or worse. If someone doesn't meet your expectations or it just doesn't work out, let the situation go and move on. Keep from trying to seek some "revenge" or "getting even."

10.Have fun
Utilizing the Internet for the purpose of finding a date, or mate is a relatively new method of searching for someone.
It offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from all walks of life. The possibilities are astronomical as far as numbers and types of people. Use that to your advantage.
Be selective, be safe, be smart and have fun.

10a.DON'T be blinded by costly 'love'
Scammers will try to play on your sympathy, which is usually achieved by convincing you that they're in love with you. It can be predicted that the next logical step is to meet. The only problem is they don't have enough money to travel to see you.

The scammer will then be more likely to ask you to send money via a money transfer agent, such as Western Union -- so that they are untraceable.
Other 'reasons' usually given as to why they need your financial help include:

- "I am stranded abroad and I don't have money for travel or a visa'
- "I have been robbed and beaten'
- "I/family member requires urgent surgery and you are the only person who can help me"
- "I just got laid off from work"
- "My financial advisor scammed me"
Please note these con artists are always looking for new ways to scam innocent people. Be cautious, don't give out any personal details i.e. personal or work number, e-mail address, home address or place of work."