Although Christina had been chatting online and via telephone with Justin for six months, and felt that she was falling in love with him, something about their last conversation just did not seem right. Finally, after all these months, they were making plans to meet in person, and she had been so excited. She had been planning to drive eight hours on Friday after work to see him in his hometown, be introduced to his friends, and get to know him in person. Today, however, when she suggested they meet in a local coffee-house or restaurant for the first time, he had hesitated, then refused. He said he would feel more comfortable if they met in private, at his apartment or a local wooded park. Christina felt uncomfortable, and wondered if she should go through with it or not. Warning signs seemed to flash in her mind.

Unfortunately, although most guys/girls you will meet in an online dating situation are normal, honest people, there are the few that are not. Online dating is a wonderful way to connect, and has a terrific success rate. However, there are still many important safety rules to follow. Here are three of the most important ones:

1. Get to know someone via the dating site's online messaging system before you give out personal information. Be very careful about just giving out personal information (name, address, phone numbers) without knowing who you are really talking to.

2. Before meeting your potential date in person, ask for references from his/her pastor, minister, job supervisor, friends, etc. Try to speak to these people in person. Make sure the person you are talking to is really who she/he say they are.

3. Never meet in private for the first meeting. Always notify friends or family of where you will be meeting and pick a public place. Even after the first date, it is a good idea to at least let one other good friend or family member know where you will be.

There are lots of other safety tips on dating websites such as http://www.christian-online-dating-guide.com Read up on internet dating safety, and don't put yourself at risk. Date safe.

Rebekah is a relationship expert who loves to help people find lasting love online. She helps manage the popular website http://www.christian-online-dating-guide.com