Long distance relationships are here to stay. In the past they were something to be scorned for, frowned upon and humiliated. But, as new technology emerges more people are doing it and it isn't just any particular age group.
On one hand, tens of thousands of teenagers flock to the Internet as a way to socialize. Eventually they find someone they like from another state or country.
On the other hand, thirty-somethings and older are trying to find their true love by visiting match.com or some other dating service. Even thousands of 60+ year olds are joining in on the Internet love train.
With long distance relationships safety becomes a high priority, but sometimes we fall for the moment and let our guard down. Here are some simple tips to keep you safe when testing the long distance relationship waters.
1. Never give out your home address. Don't fall for the 'I want to send you a gift' trick.
2. Never give out your landline phone number. If you must talk on the phone do it using a mobile (cell) phone. They are harder to trace to your home address.
3. When you are finally ready to meet, do it in a public place where other people are sure to be. Be sure to have a real conversation before inviting them back to your place. This is to make sure they are sane, rational people. If they disagree to meeting in public, don't meet at all. The more crowded the place is the less likely you will get hurt.
4. Have an out plan for your meeting. Always make sure you can get away if the person isn't who you think they are.
Just remember, the longer it is before you meet the safer you will be. Since that isn't always possible, remember that even if someone seems perfectly sane over the phone doesn't mean they will be that way in person. Keep safe, have an out plan and always meet in public.
