With Online Dating, there will be things that you should or shouldn't do. They only come into effect because of people that try to abuse the online dating service, but you should go over these to protect yourself so that you can have a happy online dating experience.

1. Slow Down; Start by only talking via IM's, this is a good way to find out about the person and learn what he or she is like. You should use this to see the personality traits of the person you are speaking with. If they lie, exaggerate stories, or just seem to have a personality that doesn't add up, your best bet is to walk away. People on the internet like to hide their true personality, they pretend to be someone that they aren't, or just act differently. When they do this, they tend to have odd behavior, lie, etc. Just remember, you don't have to talk to them, if something seems weird and your instincts are telling you to back away, back away!

2. Be Safe; Always keep your last name, email address, phone number, or any other private information to yourself.

3. Photo Op; A photo can say a million words! It can give you an appearance, hint to what the person is like, and most of all it will show you who you are talking to. Now, I know that some people may not have a camera, but if they tell you that they will send you a picture, then make excuses not to do it. I don't think that would be a good thing.

4. Meeting; You do not have to meet in person. If they pressure you into meeting them, your best bet is to stop contacting them. When you are ready to meet in person, then you are ready, but don't let them push you into it. If you do feel that it is time to meet the person, do so in a safe manner that will keep you out of any kind of trouble. Take these into consideration if you are thinking about meeting someone from the online dating scene; Always meet in a safe public place where there are lot's of other people, give your family and friends the number and address to where you are going so that they can find you if something goes awry. You should also drive your own vehicle and not depend on the other person to pick you up. There are other things you can do, but these main things should keep you out of harms way.

6. Be Comfortable; Everyone has a comfort zone, never leave that zone! If you are uncomfortable with any situation, you should listen to yourself and stop what is happening. Trust your natural instincts, if you are uncomfortable and your gut tells you that something is wrong, it usually means that something is wrong.

7. Be Smart; Leaving the safety of your own state, huh? Better be careful! After all, you are going to a place that you don't know so well. Be cautious, book your own hotel, and don't tell them where you are staying. Remember to accuire your own vehicle so that you don't have to ride with the person.

Consider a background check; There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing a background check on the person you are dating. For a small price, and if you have enough info on the person, you can do a background check to find out if he has a clean record or not. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, but it is one thing I would do instantly.

Overseas Financial Scams; This is one of the bad sides of an Online Dating Service. Many scammers use it to get your money by acting as a foreign lady that is interested in meeting you. They ask you for the money for a plane ticket, then once you wire the money they vanish. If you are asked to wire money, be very wary and use your gut instinct. If you feel that something isn’t right, tell them that you can’t do it. Do a quick read up of the laws within your Country, as most of the time the person wouldn't be able to come see you unless if they have a visitors visa. So, just watch yourself and don't fall into any scammers traps.

If you take all of this information and use it to your advantage, you will be able to have a very nice experience with Online Dating. Just think smart, and use common sense more than anything. One last tip.. Always keep this in mind! You do not have to be intimate with the person, do not let them try to push you into sexual activities if it is not what you want! As I said before, don't do anything that you are uncomfortable with. Use your gut instinct, common sense, and think smart.