You’ve plucked up the courage to get back into the dating game. Your online dating profile is set up and immediately you start chatting with a couple of potential matches. Before you fall head over heels in love with someone, make sure you are aware of these three points:
Look out for fake profiles
The unfortunate truth about online dating is that you never know who you are flirting with. In fact, if someone’s profile looks perfect and ticks all the boxes for the ideal partner, you should treat it with caution. Pay close attention to the photos – do they look realistic or picture-perfect? Too perfect probably means the person is using stock images. Check the wording they use to describe themselves and the way they respond. If the language seems a bit off, it could very well be a bot or a fake profile. If they claim to be madly in love with you from day one, it’s a red flag.
Have an exit plan
You have been chatting to someone online and now it’s time to meet face-to-face for the first time. Be realistic about the fact that you don’t know this person and that they could be completely different in real life or worse, a scammer. Don’t invite your date home or go to their place or get into a car with them on your first date. Plan to meet in a public place, such as a restaurant and let your friends know where you are going. Ask a friend or family member to be on standby, should you need an exit plan if you are sensing some shady vibes.
Get checked before getting serious
This might sound like advice you’d give a teenager, but being over 60 does not necessarily make people wiser. In fact, international surveys have shown that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in older generations. Be smart by being proactive and get a health check before you move on to the next step with your new love interest. Be realistic about the fact that being older makes you more susceptible to illness and be open about your health to your partner from the get-go.
