Tips For Staying Safe When Online Dating With A Disability
The online space can be both wonderful and dangerous at the same time. While on the one hand it helps make connections and unite people, on the other, it also makes your private life public. Where one should draw the line will depend from person to person, but there are some basic ground rules for staying safe and maintaining your privacy when online. And this is even more important when on online dating sites for people with disabilities.
Below are some tips for staying safe when on disabled dating sites...
Make smart choices about which dating sites you want to join
There are numerous online dating sites but not all are the same. Some are more vigilant about who joins their sites and keep an eye on member's online behaviour. Some sites even vet applicants in order to ensure the right people are on the site for the right reasons. Choosing a ‘safer’ site will ensure the kind of people you meet online will be more trustworthy.
Some sites are more specific and interest-based, so consider joining one of these if you are more of an introvert or want to take things slow. These work better than general sites as you will be on the same wavelength as others on it, or at least share some common interests.
The importance of your online profile
Your online profile is all people have to go by, at least as a first impression, so make sure it says enough about you without giving away too much personal information. It's essential to strike the perfect balance here. Share things about yourself so that you can connect with the right kind of people; yet don't overshare. Leave certain information to be shared only after you are more comfortable with the person. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Get to know your 'date' better before meeting
You might have found the ideal partner online, but don’t get too excited and jump the bandwagon just yet. Appearances are often deceptive. Talk to the person over chat and even over the phone a couple of times before deciding to meet, so you have a better knowledge of him/ her on your first date. You will also get an idea of whether the person is genuinely interested in you or in taking this further, or is just interested in a physical relationship.
Staying safe on your first date
Here's another area where you need to keep your guard up and be sensible, even if you think you know your date well enough by now. Simple guidelines to follow are to meet in a public place as opposed to a hotel room or one of your houses. Check the accessibility of the decided place and make sure you would be able to leave without assistance should the need arise. Also check if there is a parking facility nearby, or easy access to a cab. Lastly, tell a friend or family member about your whereabouts and who you are meeting.
