The all pervasive internet has invaded almost all phases of public and private lives in our society.  Dating or social engagement with person of opposite sex cannot be an exception to the rule.  Online dating is now accepted as a safer option to get acquainted with unfamiliar people without actually meeting them in person. There are many websites to cater the needs of men and women who are seeking friendships, love, romance or marriage.  They will arrange contacts through chat rooms.  The websites also provide them with valuable advices and suggestions to be safe in the process, as there are possibilities of risks lurking in their search for new acquaintances.

The advantage of online dating is that the couple need not have a face to face meeting.  This will help them to avoid possible embarrassment that may happen to either of them for obvious reasons. The chat room is a very convenient option where the two strangers can exchange preliminary introduction as well as pleasantries.  It will be an exciting experience to pass through the first phase of an anticipated long relationship between a man and woman.  Both of them can avail the freedom to step back from the process, in case of non-compatibility found or anticipated between them.

On the other hand, the facility offers ample opportunities for the couple to enjoy interesting conversation in the privacy of the chat room and to understand each other. While there is no necessity to follow dress codes, the impressions that can be made between them will be based on the words that are exchanged.

In the initial stage it is better to be reserved and cautious.  It is better to play the cards close to the chest. One need not reveal everything and it is wiser to preserve delicate and personal details for future meetings. The interludes between successive chatting are necessary to maintain a healthy relationship, which should grow slowly but steadily in the best interests of the couple.

Take care not to reveal the complete identity.  Never let the partner knows the address or telephone number during the initial online dating. It is better to create a new email id for chatting which can be used exclusively for the purpose.  Even though confidential information should be held back, relatively lesser but important facts like name, age, hobbies, special interests and of course the expectations about the partner should be exchanged between the partners.

If the chat room relationship develops to a more positive phase, then it is time for a personal meeting or dating. However, care should be taken to avoid very intimate relationship unless and until the persons get to know each other thoroughly.  This is very important in the context of many untoward incidents like date rapes.  Therefore it is better to choose a public place to meet than in the privacy of a remote tourist resort. Accepting lift should be avoided, especially during first rendezvous. Arrange for own conveyance to reach the place as well as to come back.

Meeting new people and getting new acquaintances through free dating websites is an easy option.  But precautions are unavoidable when going ahead with the offline dating.  Relationships are to be constructed and developed in an imaginative way by applying caution.