(Newswire.net — June 16, 2018) — For many seniors, online dating websites have been a godsend. They have allowed them to get rid of boredom and loneliness, make friends and even create lasting relationships. Plus, the senior dating websites are convenient, inexpensive and fun.
From the comfort and safety of their own home, seniors have the opportunity to meet and carry on conversations with hundreds of interesting people. And sometimes they even find love online. But there are also dangers associated with online dating for seniors. There are predators that use these sites to find unsuspecting victims. The following are a few steps seniors can take to remain safe while having fun dating online.
1. Be Careful When Sharing Personal Information
Building friendships and preparing for dates requires the sharing of some personal information. However, seniors should be careful about what information they share with people they meet online. Be wary of people asking for your address, whether you live alone and about your finances soon after meeting you online. Especially non-members visiting the site.
2. Beware of People Only Fishing for Information
A conversation is a two-way flow of information. If you meet someone online and they are constantly asking you questions, but not answering any of yours, cut them off. Scammers and nefarious characters often pump potential victims for information while revealing little about themselves.
Building a friendship requires both people to share tidbits about themselves. Only share with those that share with you. Even then you should not share sensitive financial or compromising information that can be used to take advantage of you.
3. Do a Background Check
If you meet a senior person online who really tickles your fancy and you are considering an in-person date to get to know them better, do an online background check first. This will let you know some basic information about the person’s history, character and criminal record.
Often a background check will reveal them to be a nice person who is just what they have been telling you they are. But sometimes those background checks can also raise red flags that can protect you from harm. Pay close attention to the information about them that’s online and how it aligns with what they have told you.
4. Date in a Public Place
If you have met a nice person online and want to spend some time with them in person, don’t invite them to your home or go to theirs. Arrange to meet in a well-lit public place where you feel safe and are comfortable and familiar with the surroundings. This will give you an opportunity to assess the person without feeling pressured or being in a compromising or dangerous setting.
People who don’t want to meet in public places may be attached or have something else to hide. Tell a trusted friend or family member where you’re going and what time you plan to be back. Take a cell phone so they can check on you.
5. Be Honest
Deception will only lead to disappointment and other problems. Be honest about who you are and how you look. Post a fairly recent photo of yourself. It’s okay to put your best foot forward, but don’t use a glamour shot from 20 years ago or lie about your interests and accomplishments. What starts off as a little white lie can snowball into a series of deceptions that will erode trust and could destroy a potentially good relationship.
6. Follow Your Instincts
Even if your background check didn’t turn up anything too bad, your conversations are great and you met in public and had a good time, if your instincts say something isn’t quite right, back off. It’s much better to walk away from a potentially good relationship and be safe than to find yourself in a dangerous situation wishing you had followed your instincts.
7. Be Open
Older people sometimes close their hearts and their minds and wonder why they do not meet anyone nice, interesting and loving. If you open your mind to the thought that there are many wonderful people out there offering the fun and adventure you want, that improves the odds you will find it.
You do not have to be reckless to find friendship, love and joy, but being open to it when you see it can improve the quality of your life and lead to fun, meaningful online relationships. Ones that stimulate your mind and body and help you to enjoy yourself and get more out of life.
Online dating for seniors has its ups and downs. However, many people who use it while taking the proper precautions enjoy it immensely. Many of them develop friendships and loving relationships that make their hearts sing. The key is to take steps to ensure you are not taken advantage of by online predators.
References:
1. Joan Price: Men Over 50 — May I Give You Some Dating Advice? In: Huffingtonpost.com), retrieved on the 14th of June 2018.
2. Katrina El: Senior Dating Tips for Finding Love With a Ukrainian woman In: Best-Matchmaking.com (Dating Blog), retrieved on the 14th of June 2018.
3. Senior Dating Advice & Tips for Singles. In: eharmony.com (Dating Advice), retrieved on the 14th of June 2018. URL: https://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/senior-dating/