DATING 411

Online dating opens up a whole new world of possibilities if you are single. Whether it is an email friend, a casual relationship or something serious, meeting people online can be very rewarding. Online dating websites offer a fun, exciting and secure environment for interacting and meeting with other single people online. If you decide to take that all important step of meeting someone in real life, remember, common sense is by far your best safety tool.

To help you get your feet wet in the world of online dating, we here at HIFIDATING.COM, have organized some tips that will help make your online searching worthwhile.

These tips will help you navigate the world of online dating safely. So by following our tips and a few clicks of the mouse, you will be on your way to meeting some new and exciting people.

ONLINE DATING TIPS
Here's some tips to help you meet new and exciting people online:

TEST THE WATERS - All dating sites are not created equal. Most sites have free membership sign-up, so use it! Sign up a free profile, and see what they have to offer before making a purchase decision.

ONE TOO MANY - Many dating sites require you to sign up before you see their profiles… this is a definite warning sign. Many of these sites have millions of members who sign up to check out some profiles, and then leave, never to return. Instead, check out sites that allow you to view as many profiles as you want before signing up.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - You will find that dating sites offer premium memberships. If you are serious about finding a date you should try a premium paid membership. Premium memberships offer more freedom with your account than a free membership.

TELL THE TRUTH - Whether you are looking for friendship or romance, say so. There is someone out there for everyone - so do not try to pretend you are something that you are not. Remember, you could wind up meeting someone as a result of your ad, And lying could lead to disappointment.

BE INTERESTING - Everyone is different. So try to ask people interesting questions. At the same time, you can find out their likes and dislikes.

POST PICTURES - Upload a photo with your ad. Profiles with a photo are 8-10 times more likely to get a response. We recommend using a head shot. Most of the larger dating companies will even scan your pictures for you if you send them to them via post mail. So there is no reason not to post a picture, unless you have something to hide.

EMAIL TIP - Since a lot of email companies are cutting down on spam. Try to have a catchy subject line message when sending an email. Avoid using "Hello from xxx", "Hi" and so on.

FOR THE MALES - The number of men using online dating site compared to women is something like 100:1. To get more responses, try uploading a photo and writing up a great profile. Women love men who know how to express themselves with words.

EFFECTIVE USERNAMES - Choose your username, profile name with caution. Choose a username that describes your personality or interests.

REQUEST NEWER PHOTOS - Anybody can post a photo with their profile. But some people like to post pictures of their freinds or families, even pictures of when they were younger. So always ask for current photos.

KEEP IT FRESH - Change your profile often and tailor it to the types of responses you want to get, and to help keep it fresh.

ONLINE DATING SAFETY TIPS

GET TO KNOW THEM - After meeting someone, try to get to know them. Ask them as many questions as you can. Try to use email to communicate with someone you have just met.

GUARD YOUR ANONYMITY - Never include your last name, email address, home address, phone number, place of work or work phone in your profile or initial messages. Set up an anonymous email account just for online dating. Do not include identifying information in email signature lines. End communication with members who pressure you for any kind of personal information.

MAKE USE OF SITE FEATURES - Most online dating sites offer email, chat, and instant messaging with premium memberships. So use them to your advantage.

BYE-BYE WITH CLICK OF MOUSE - Sometimes you might get contacted by someone who you might not be interested in. If they make you feel uncomfortable, use the block feature that some of the dating sites offer, which denies them from contacting you. And also contact the webmaster or customer service of the dating site.

PHONE ETTIQUETTE - After you become comftorble with meeting someone online. The phone would be the next step up. Remember to call from a phone which will allow you to block your number. If you do not know how to use the feature, contact your local phone company (*67 before the number is the most commonly way to use this feature). Never give out your personal number. If you have to, use your cell number.

FACE TO FACE - If you are planning to meet someone, tell at least two people where you are going, the person's name, their general description, and your expected time home. Always meet someone in a neutral location. Never have them come to your home or place of work to pick you up. Always meet someone in a public place, such as a restaurant, or a movie theatre. Always be aware of the personal information you are revealing to a date. Use common sense. If you get a bad "vibe" maybe it's time to end the date.

BE READY TO BOUNCE - Take your cell phone with you, and have a friend call you at a certain time. If you feel threatened in any way, use the call as an excuse to leave. If you are having a great time, thank your friend and carry on. If you are at a public place and you feel threatened in any way - get out. Use the back door, ask someone for assistance, do whatever you need to do to feel safe.

OUT OF TOWN - If you have to go out of town to meet someone, approach the meeting same as you would as if it were a local meeting. Choose a meeting place where there would be a lot of people. Use your own transportation and never reveal where you are staying.

RED FLAGS - A majority of the people that use online dating services do use it to meet people. BUT, there are bad apples who also try to use these services for their own gain. Here are a couple of tips that should help you spot these bad apples:

Try to avoid answering direct questions

They are inconsistent with information they provide you

Come up with excuses as to why they cannot post a picture or pictures for you to see

Refuse to meet or have a phone conversation in real life after an extended period of online            correspondence

Consistently steer the conversation away from their lives, and onto yours

Attempt to solicit personal information from you

Attempt to corral you into a personal meeting, even after you have explained that you are not        ready for that yet.

We hope the tips provided here at HIFIDATING.COM, will help you in your search for that "SPECIAL SOMEONE".