1.    Take time and make time - Does your online date get in touch with you regularly? Do you do the same? Neglecting virtual meetings can be considered abuse or neglect, so treat each other’s time with respect. If it’s lacking, might mean for you its time to move on.

2.    Communication needs to “feel” right for both of you - If one of you is too pushy about meeting, for instance, that can give off bad vibes. So don’t rush - Take time to learn more about each other and develop trust.

3.    Respect each others privacy - Don’t share personal email addresses or digital photos online. For example, if your online date sent you the information in confidence. 

4.    Share special online and offline fun times - send greeting cards, links to favorite places to upload digital photos of your favorite pet, download music and video clips, post on favorite forums of interest. Or exchange addresses or post office boxes, send print greeting cards and postcards, small items from your area (like a key chain with your state bird).

Tend your online relationship - Water it with care and over time it can sprout and grow.

Establishing Online Dating Relationships: Safety First

Online dating can be fun, but never neglect safety and common sense when you try to hook up with a mate and take caution in the following areas.

Protect Your Computer:

Take care of your equipment and systems before you head out into the Internet realm. Install a firewall and anti-virus protection for your email and for when you search websites and interact online. At the bare minimum, you may consider these simple solutions that are offered at no charge (as a free trial) to home computer users :

Free Kaspersky Internet Security 2010: http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/internet-security/

Protect Yourself:

Take care of yourself, too, by choosing appropriate dating sites and seek and choose a reputable online dating service.  How? Ask around with friends, neighbors, co-workers and others you may know who have tried online dating before, and see which places they recommend. In addition, search “online dating services” and keep a notebook of their URLs or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any other useful information that spikes your interest, then compare each place.  Try only those places where you feel safe, trust your instincts.

So take care - Arm your computer and yourself with the correct tools and knowledge!

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Popular Online Dating Activities

All types of everyday activities are growing in popularity online these days like sharing photos or e-greeting cards. In fact, both of these even go hand in hand with online dating opportunities, one of the most popular online activities for singles in our world today.

Before actually meeting in person, many dates get acquainted online first, read how it is done.

Pictures - As a wonderful keepsake of your budding romance, create an online photo album for your new cyber-friend.  Include digital images of favorite outdoor scenes, pets, flowers, cars, silly moments, your computer corner or favorite places, etc.  Then you’ll even have more to discuss during online dates via emails and in the chat rooms. Search for “photo albums” to find places to store your photographs. It is very easy with Flickr: http://www.flickr.com

Greeting Cards - Regardless of where the person lives, you can e-mail a greeting card very easily. If privacy and security is an issue, check into renting an inexpensive P.O. Box (check the Yellow Pages) for real cards. No need to be an artist to make something homemade and special for the new friend in your life.  A personalized greeting card would be appreciated and show that you care enough to take the time needed to make something by hand.  Search your favorite search engine for online greeting cards to send, too - they range from free to low cost and can be sent in an instant.

So get online and get active - No need to risk meeting in person until you get more familiar with each other online first. Get ready for the online plunge!

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