Things to Consider Before Meeting an Online Love

No matter how well you think you know someone from talking to online, it is in your best interests to be very cautious about how much information you give them about yourself. If you are agreeing to meet for the first time it is also important that you meet on neutral ground and plan an escape route in case Mr. Right or Mrs. Right turns out be very wrong.

Even if the plan is for the two of you to share a romantic evening at your place after a long hard ride on a train or plane you should still agree to meet him or her in a neutral, public place. Don't have a taxi drop them right off at your doorstep.

Before you meet, make sure you tell others of your plans and keep a cell phone on you in case you need to text message yourself out of there.

Let a trusted friend or family member know that you're meeting your acquaintance and arrange to check in with that person at a specific time just to let him or her know that you're okay and say how it's going. You might want to have some prearranged phrase to let your safety contact know if there's a problem.

If you are a woman and the person arrives in his car, you might want to avoid getting into his car until you get to know him a little better.

It is also better for him or her to stay in a hotel first, rather than with you right away. This way you both have a way out if it is not working out.

I think it's a bad idea to go meet someone on his or her home turf. Obviously, if you're starting a long-distance relationship someone will at some point have to travel somewhere for you and your sweetie to meet in person -. I know of too many people who have hared off to a distant location, felt uncomfortable upon arriving, and gone ahead with the visit anyway because they couldn't afford to stay at a hotel. Make one of the conditions of either of you meeting for the first time, the booking of a hotel.

Whether you're close to home or traveling to see this person, do not allow yourself to be dependent on this person in any way. If you cannot fund your trip, then don't go at all. You must have enough money to feed yourself, obtain decent shelter, and get back home safely.

Finally, If you feel absolutely any doubt or uncertainty at all about meeting this person for the first time, don't go at all. You are not obligated to meet anyone, just because you have said romantic things online. Trust your gut instincts but also remember to use your common sense!