How to spot "warning signs" when internet dating

Just about everyone is or has been on internet dating websites, if not you most likely know someone who is. Ok so we are in the new millenium and it is the "in" way to meet people but do you know how to look for warning signs?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. First decide on what exactly you are looking for; dates, friends, love, marriage, casual sex? Once you know what you are looking for it will be easier to weed out the people that don't fit your desire of why you put a profile on in the first place.
2. For instance if you are looking for love and marriage (such as myself lol)you may not be interested in a profile that states "live in a special situation". This usually means I live with my partner/wife/husband but they work nights and you can sneak in when they are not here.
   
   If you are for instance just out of a long term relationship you may just be looking for dates/friends and or casual sexual encounters and should stay away from people that have checked off they are looking for love/marriage/long term relationship. Sometimes we need time for ourselves and healthy dating will allow you time to move on and find out exactly what you are looking for and show you just how much people, dating and relationships have changed since you were single.
3. Watch out for "baby momma/poppa drama". When someone tells you they have a child not living with them or part time it is very, very important to ask about how their relationship is now with their ex. How did it end? Are their bad feelings? The last thing you want is to get wrapped up in someone else's problems especially when a child is concerned. You can tell by someone's responses regarding the relationship. Do they answer with anger? Do they curse their ex? Do they mention their ex uses their child as a pawn? Does their ex stalk them? ***NOTE: There are many people that have children that split up and do have healthy relationships**
4. Another warning sign is excessive drinking and/or drugs. Do they only want to date in alchohol involved settings? Have you ever seen this person outside of a bar/club?
5. The list can go on forever.. maybe it is best to focus on what you do not want as this can also help you find what you do!

Tips & Warnings

• Never settle for less, yes... you are worth it.
• Always meet in a well lit social place
• Arrange your own transportation
• Give a friend as much information about the person that you know and where and when you will meet
• Have a friend call you a few minutes after the scheduled meeting time. (great for those quick getaways)
• Trust your gut feelings and intuition