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
WNQA Articles:
Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets – Five Things to Avoid!
As an employee of famous fitness star Kathy Smith, personal trainer of many movie stars, and best selling author, it came to my attention of a few things that prevented Hollywood types from losing the weight they wanted. Here they are;"Exercise Resistance" or ER means a conscious or unconscious block against participating in a regular active program.
International Women's Day 8 March: Marriage Agency Elena's Models Offers Specials On Dating Russian Women
Russian dating agency 'Elena's Models' offers special prices in their International Women's Day promotion for men seeking a Russian wife. The holiday, which is very popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the former Soviet Union, is celebrated in many Eastern European countries on 8 March.
Medifast.com Reveals a New Trend In Holiday Gift Giving ... The Gift of Weight Loss
A firm commitment to live a happy and healthy life is a gift many holida shoppers could all use. Now, a new shift toward pre-purchased diet plans as a gift spark sales this holiday season. This new trend indicates that individuals are not only purchasing diet plans for themselves but more and more couples are joining one another on a quest to loose weight.
Ideal Gardening Gifts for the Bird Watcher
Ideal Gardening Gifts for the Bird Watcher
Stop, Look, Listen! Steps to Better Parenting Communication
As a parent is seems that the majority of your day is spent trying to get your children to listen to what you are trying to teach them. Make them understand how to me a responsible child.
Exercise Resistance! - The Secret Barriers that Prevent Weight Loss
Getting started on an exercise program is one thing. Staying
on it is the bigger challenge.
Weight Loss Benefits Of Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia, the phenomenon sweeping America and much of the rest of the modern world, works in a startling way. The product works by tricking the brain into thinking that you've already eaten and therefore already have enough energy (blood sugar) and therefore the body doesn't require additional nutrition. For this reason, the brain proceeds to shut down the hunger mechanism in the body, leaving those who take hoodia to be able to conquer their appetite since they don't feel hungry. This, in turn, allows those who take hoodia to be able to better control their eating habits in terms of portions and number of daily meals, leading to much lower calorie intake and, therefore, weight loss.
Online Dating Site Brings to People Over 50 the Best Days of Their Lives
Prime Singles, an online singles community dedicated to helping singles find their dates in a completely secure online environment, announces the launch of their new website, Meet-Prime-Singles.com, that facilitates online dating among people who are not in the prime of their youth -- i.e., people over 50 years of age as well as senior citizens.
Dating After Divorce: Finding the Perfect Partner
In time for Valentine's day, Carolyn B. Ellis, founder of Thrive After Divorce, interviews professional matchmaker Gloria MacDonald, about relationships and dating after divorce.
Nutrition and Exercise Tips to Walk Away From Death
Recently yet another super-heavyweight Iron Immortal died from a heart attack at age forty-five or thereabouts. Typically, when I read of these tragedies I search my memory banks and then write some sort of tribute.
Learn How To Boost Your Weight Loss
Dietary supplement is a term that is familiar to almost everyone now. The examples of dietary supplement products that are sold in the US market nowadays are supplements like bottled herbs, or vitamins and minerals in various doses. Many of these dietary supplements guarantee results like relieving pain, or energizing your body. You can purchase supplements that contain separate vitamins or minerals, or some kind of mix of vitamins and minerals. This weight loss program can be quite effective in the short term but never produces a long term effect
How Is Peaceful Parenting® Different?
Peaceful Parenting® ideas are very different from other kinds of parenting practices that you have learned or read about. Certainly it is harder to practice Peaceful Parenting® than to simply threaten or bribe your child into following your directions or making what you consider to be the "right" choices.
Mayo Clinic Diet - Weight Loss Wonder Or Fraud ?
The Mayo Clinic Diet has been said to be around since the 1940's but no one knows exactly where it came from. Year after year, the Mayo Clinic gets inquiries regarding the Mayo Clinic Diet but, none the less, the diet is not associated with the clinic. The plan offers a new lifestyle approach to maintaining and managing your weight.