When you meet someone in person, you instantly have a first impression about them. A lot of this first impression is based upon body language, chemistry between the two of you, and eye contact. Obviously, this type of impression is impossible if you are meeting someone for the first time online from dating sites. However, even though it may be harder to determine what a person is really like from an online interaction, you can still learn to trust your instincts.

Dating should be less about matching outward circumstances than meeting your inner necessity.

If the guy or gal you meet is overly attentive, solicitous or proclaiming their love for you after only a few e-mails, this would be a no-brainer to steer clear! Usually all you need to do is use your common sense to determine whether or not this online personality is worth meeting in person.

Some of the online behavior that should certainly send up a red warning flag to you includes:

• Refusing to converse on the phone
• Refusing to meet in person
• Tales of woe, stating that they have a crazy ex who seems to be stalking them
• Either hinting or outwardly asking for money for their debt problem

If they refuse to ever meet you in person or talk on the phone, you have to wonder what they are hiding. And if you are never to talk or meet, then what’s the point of the connection in the first place? It’s terrible to be suspicious of every person you meet from a dating website, but scammers online are becoming more and more savvy and will prey upon people who appear to be vulnerable, particularly those who are looking for love.

Your online dating experience should be fun, but you do need to have your guard up ever so slightly. You will know intuitively if the person you have met online is trying to hide something. Eventually, when you both feel comfortable and agree to meet in person, you will have a much better idea how you relate and interact with this person. Some dating websites do screen their members, which can be helpful but is not always foolproof. In the end, it’s best to trust yourself and your intuition.

Using caution when dating online is no different than meeting someone offline. If the person you meet is the “right one,” moving slowly and letting the relationship evolve over time will not be a problem.

Guest Author Bio:
This is a guest post contributed by Debbie Lamedman. She offers expert advice, inspirational articles, stories, and techniques to build a foundation of empowerment for realizing your dreams.