|
Face to Face: Virtual to real life
Meeting your on-line love off-line
|
 You have finally connected with someone who sounds very exciting on-line. The winks and e-mails have been flying back and forth and now you're very excited to meet Mr. or Ms. Wonderful for the first time!
Sounds good... but be careful because after all you don't know the person! Oh yes, you've had four-hour IM conversations and exchanged hundreds of e-mails. But do you know how your buddy sounds like or acts in person? Practice these smart, personal safety tips and your in-person meetings should be a wonderful experience!
Rule 1.
If you are hitting it off, via e-mail and instant messaging, make sure you talk, on the phone, before setting up an in-person meeting. Don't skip this important step. Hearing a person's voice adds a new dimension, to the developing relationship, and it is great to have actual conversation to see if it flows freely and easily in contrast to awkward silences and lulls. For a safer bet, have several telephonic conversations before you fix a date to meet up. If the person comes across as definitely not your type you have lost nothing but the cost of the call and your time.
Rule 2.
If you like what you hear, over the phone, then you have successfully climbed the first rung of the ladder. As a rule, ensure you meet in public and not at his / her house or office. Be sensible and use your head. Always set up your first date at a reasonable time of day - late afternoon or early evening at a familiar restaurant or coffee shop. Do not plan to spend an entire day... an hour or two is fine. If things go well, there will be plenty of other opportunities. And keep it light: Stay away from any intense issues or conversations.
Rule 3.
Keep your expectations in check! The more pressure you put on this face-to-face encounter, the more it's doomed to disappoint. He / she may turn out to not look anything like what each said or what their picture showed. Either / or may have aged ten years and gained 10 kgs since the photo. Courtesy demands that you hide your diappointment. Remember to be polite and try to spend a bit of time with one and other. The idea is to not hurt one's feelings and not appear callous. If on the other hand, she is Ms. Perfect but doesn't find you to be Mr. Right, then accept it with grace. Be prepared to have some fun, and learn whether each one is actually the same person they've represented themselves to be on-line in the virtual world. Chances are that even if you are not attracted, for a romantic relationship, you could strike a great friendship!
Rule 4.
Play it safe on your first date. Avoid hikes, bike rides or drives in remote areas for the first few dates. Never allow your date to make the arrangements for you. If you are the girl, be considerate enough to carry your own money and preferably your own wheels. This gives you the flexibility to leave when you want and the ability to do so. Do not take advantage of anybody or you may find yourself in trouble when you least expect it! Do not share your address and let a couple of people (friends / family) know about your plans. Better safe than sorry!
Rule 5.
Make a good impression. After all, he could be Mr. Right! Balance your precautions with your best face and friendly behaviour. Be calm, confident and remember to smile. A sense of humour, warmth, imagination, individuality and body language speaks a lot. If you are not ready for a second meet do not be rude. Just ignore his calls and mails. That should do the trick.
Most importantly. listen to yourself. All of us have an inner voice which tells us what to do. And more often than naught it's right. So listen to it.. even if it is feeble.
Good luck!
|
|
|
A shaaditimes feature
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| | Beautifully Designed Marble Pen Stand. | Encore Ladies Handbag | Roses n Wine | Rs.1,100 ($22.85) | | | | Rs.880 ($18.28) | Rs.3,250 ($67.51) | Rs.1,699 ($35.29) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask our Experts :
Personality Development, Immigration (US), Tarot, Hot Couture, Face Value, Matrimonial Laws, Infertility, Life, etc, Gender Wars, Shaping Up. |
|
 |
|
Furl it
Reddit
Readers comment
