So, you’re ready to meet someone you’ve been talking to online. There are a few safety tips you need to follow to ensure that you don’t get hurt, possibly very badly. I know, you’ve talked to this person for days, weeks, even months now. It’s still not worth the risk of bodily harm.

Always meet in a public place – Never agree to meet someone at their house, or at a nature park, or other wilderness location, such as on a hiking trail. There are two reasons for this. The first is that, if someone does have ill intentions toward you, they are unlikely to try anything when there are lots of people around. The second is that, assuming you don’t get along with them, you won’t be stuck out in the middle of a park or somewhere having a miserable time.

Tell friends and/or family where you’re going and when – Again, this is primarily for safety reasons. Let them know when you are going and when you expect to be back. That way they will know when to expect to hear from you. Also, especially if you don’t carry a cell phone, they can contact you in case of an emergency back home, if necessary.

Show up early – Arrive to the meeting place at least 30 minutes before the meeting time, and familiarize yourself with the basics, such as emergency exits, closest pay phone. Get the manager of the establishment’s name. If possible, contact friends and/or family back home and let them know you have arrived safely.

Check In – Lastly, check in with the folks back home when you arrive home from your trip. This will ease everyone’s nerves, and will bring you back down to earth a bit.

If you haven’t already read them, please go back and read Internet Dating Safety Tips Part 1 – The Talking Phase.