Dating Information

Six Things Every Christian Single Should Know Before Dating Online (Part Two)


In part one, we looked at the importance of remaining anonymous, why you should always ask for a picture of your online dating prospect, and how the Holy Spirit can lead and guide your efforts.

In this final segment, we'll talk about the dos and don'ts of making phone contact as well as the all-important first date.

Tip #4: Time to Make the Call

So you're feeling comfortable enough to exchange phone numbers? One word: STOP! If you're ready to talk on the phone, that's fine--just don't hand them your home or cell number quite yet. Remember, you're only going by what you've seen and read in the incredibly anonymous world of the internet. Your best bet is to make it a pay phone. This way you can still get to know the other person better while keeping your identity secret. Plus, a pay phone gives you an excuse to cut the conversation short if things aren't working out the way you had hoped. And again, if the other party tries to pressure you into something you're not comfortable with, take a hike!

Tip #5: Going Public

By now, you're pretty comfortable about things. You've had long conversations online and by telephone, you feel like the Holy Spirit is giving you a thumbs-up, and you're ready to meet face-to-face. That's great! But there are still a few things to think about before getting together.

? First of all, always always ALWAYS plan to meet in a public place. This is extremely important. Make sure plenty of people are around--there's safety in numbers. The last thing you want is to be some place secluded if things start getting uncomfortable.

? Let a trusted friend or family member know exactly where you're going and when you'll be back. Give them all the information you have on the person you're going to meet.

? Park your car a few blocks away and walk to the meeting place. Or better yet, take a cab or bus. Remember, your secret identity is still precious. License plate numbers can be easily traced.

? Either bring a friend with you or have a friend remain close "on the sly". If things get too weird, you can always duck out together. Someone would be less prone to pursuing you if you're not alone.

? Don't make your date an all-day affair. An hour or two is sufficient. In fact, you'll probably know in the first few minutes if you want to see them again or not.

? Look for any strange behaviors. Someone who's disrespectful, inappropriate, or angers at the drop of a hat is not the type of person who exemplifies Christ, or is pleasant to be around. Also, watch for any discrepancies in what they've already told you. Is there a question they keep dancing around? A story that keeps changing? These are huge warning signs. Lastly, if you suspect that something's not on the up-and-up, try this: look at the ring finger of the left hand. If there's a tan line or indentation where a wedding band usually lies, get out of there--FAST.

Remember, if at any time during the online dating process you feel uncomfortable, you can turn around and walk away. Don't worry about hurting feelings or embarrassing someone. Your safety is much more important than that. Believe me, they'll get over it.

Tip #6: Listen to Your Heart

My nieces sing an adorable song that says, "Listen to your heart, pitter pitter pat. Your heart will tell you this and your heart will tell you that." No truer words have ever been said. And that brings us to our last tip. It's one that I'm repeating because it's so important to Christian singles: Listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit throughout. If something's wrong, He'll tell you. And if He does tell you something, don't ignore it. Christian singles can get so caught up in the whirlwind emotions of a budding romance that other things get drowned out. Again, God knows what's best for you and yes, He wants you to have it. Trust in Him, and he will guide your path.

Jason Whitney is an author and copywriter whose new book "The Christian Singles Guide to Online Dating and Matchmaking" offers an easy-to-follow roadmap to help you find God's perfect partner. To learn more, go to http://www.ChristianDatingMadeEasy.com


MORE RESOURCES:

AFP

EHarmony Settles Dispute Over Gay Matches
Wall Street Journal - 3 hours ago
By NATHAN KOPPEL and SHIRA OVIDE A settlement Wednesday between eHarmony Inc. and the New Jersey attorney general requires the online heterosexual dating ...
UPDATE 1-Suit forces eHarmony to offer gay dating service Reuters
• eHarmony Agrees to Launch Same-Sex Dating Site Consumer Affairs
eHarmony to Provide Gay Dating Service After Lawsuit MyFox Chattanooga
WiredPRNews.com (press release) - Digital Media Wire
all 210 news articles


IBeam parent buys online dating service startup
Bizjournals.com, NC - 12 hours ago
Canal Winchester technology consultant iBeam Solutions LLC is getting in on the ground floor with an emerging Internet dating service just months after ...


eFUEL EFN Corp. Is Developing Virtual Dating Technologies That ...
MarketWatch - 19 hours ago
This virtual dating platform will be introduced in early 2009 to the over 8.5 million members of eFUEL's online dating Websites -- a number increased ...


MTV.com

Is Camilla Belle dating 'Twilight's' Robert Pattinson?
Los Angeles Times, CA - Nov 18, 2008
Seems Camilla is rumored to be dating Pattinson’s good pal, actor Tom Sturridge. So did she dump Tom for Joe? Or Joe for Tom? ...
Is Camilla Belle Stepping Out On Joe Jonas -- With 'Twilight' Star ... MTV.com
Single Robert Pattinson Says No One Wants to Date Him AceShowbiz
Recapping Joe Jonas and Taylor Swift, The Break Up National Ledger
all 12 news articles


Major Milestone: SNAP Exceeds 15 Million Users on Facebook(R) Platform
MarketWatch - 18 hours ago
This marks not only a major milestone for SNAP, but the sheer enormity of this figure also clearly points to a seismic shift in the online dating industry," ...
SNAP Interactive Nearly Triples Quarterly Net Income, Grows ... International Business Times
all 27 news articles


Gay Dating
TheStorygroup.com, GA - 47 minutes ago
There's also gay and lesbian resources, dating site reviews, dating forums and more. Meet girls online and check their pictures from our site! ...


BRANDY SAYS CAR CRASH 'CHANGED LIFE FOREVER': Plus, Tyrese denies ...
Eurweb.com, CA - 36 minutes ago
"I love her like family but the rumors of us dating are really old." In the new issue of Us Weekly (out Friday), Brandy also maintains she is single. ...


Swinger Dating Service Vies For Publicity In Bay Area
Tampa Tribune, FL - 15 hours ago
A Canada-based online dating service that encourages extramarital affairs wants to run television commercials in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market. ...
Swinger Site Makes Play For Local TV Time Tampa Tribune
all 2 news articles


Entertainmentwise

Miley Giggles To Avoid Dating Rumors
Popeater, NY - 16 hours ago
When asked if the two were dating, Cyrus begins giggling hysterically and squirming in her seat, trying to avoid the question... but the answer seems pretty ...
Miley Cyrus and Justin Gaston's Movies Bond AceShowbiz
Miley Cyrus: ‘Check My Pulse, I’m Good’ Access Hollywood
Miley Cyrus & Justin Gaston Are a Good Team, Says Her Dad TheImproper.com
Entertainmentwise - Contactmusic.com
all 58 news articles


CollegeOTR

Is Anne Hathaway Dating Another Loser?
Jossip, NY - 15 hours ago
But Hathaway is on the dating scene again, this time with a young actor Adam Shulman, who is already being described as "an opportunist just like Follieri. ...
Ryan Phillippe Has Gas Pump Power Just Jared
Anne Hathaway's New Man Is Former Brown University Sleazebag CollegeOTR
all 4 news articles

Dating - Google News

home | site map
© 2006