Online dating can be an intimidating world, especially for those who are faced with physical limitations that make them vulnerable.
In order to keep the process of meeting new people light and fun, here are some basic tips to protecting yourself.
1. Disabled personals are the starting place for people looking for dating, and it’s also a great way to screen out potentially dangerous admirers. Make it clear in your personal that you are a confident and independent person! Those with bad intentions will be interested in only the most insecure disabled singles. If you seem too eager to give your heart to someone, no questions asked, then you are sending out the message that you can be taken advantage of easily.
2. Always meet in public and bring your own transport. This is a given, but it is absolutely important. Not only does it make a first date less awkward and strange, but it ensures that your safety is protected. Maybe you’re about to meet the love of your life. But right now, you don’t know how trustworthy your date is.
3. Tell friends and/or family where you will be and for how long. Let those around you know about your date so that if something goes amiss, action can be easily taken.
4. Don’t drink too much! A glass or two of wine might be suitable for the date, but you don’t want to lose your ability to reason, judge, and take care of yourself in the case that your date will be looking for an opportunity to take advantage of you. Dating sites are no different than bars or grocery stores really – any and every kind of man and woman will go there, and there’s no way of telling if they have your best interest in mind based on a chat room conversation, etc.
5. Research the accommodations for disabled persons beforehand. Is there handicap access? Whatever your physical problems, you and/or your date should make sure that the atmosphere of your first date is safe for you. This way, you can concentrate on your date and not be worried about your physical comfort.
6. Limit the amount of personal information you give out. Don’t tell your date exactly where you work or live right away – they must earn your trust, not assume it!
7. Is the disabled dating service you’re using reliable? Do they screen members? Do you pay for the services? If you answered “yes” to these last two questions, then you are probably in good shape.
8. Most of all – trust your instincts! If you feel suspicious about someone and you don’t know why, go with your gut and make up an excuse to leave. Chances are there is something fishy about the situation and you don’t want to put yourself at risk for the sake of giving him or her a try. Body language might be more important than words spoken, so it’s these little details that can reveal to you whether your emotional or physical security is at risk.