Dating Netiquette

Even the veterans of Internet dating were novices at one time and could have appreciated some free online dating advice. All of us who have been there know that initially everyone remains anonymous behind their user ID, but pretty much after people exchange the first emails, it's customary for potential matches to introduce themselves by at least the first name. If someone you've been talking to for a while has yet to reveal his or her true identity, ask yourself why. What is that person hiding?

There is nothing wrong with being careful. This free online dating advice column is here to remind you that today many dating sites offer online investigative tools that will allow you to screen potential dates for criminal history, marital/divorce history and other background information that may help you to make up your mind about the people you meet online.

Hopefully, the information you find about your new acquaintance is all positive and will make you more comfortable with reaching out directly and asking his or her name. We hope that most of your searches return positive results, but should you come across someone with a dark past, thank your lucky stars for this free online dating advice. You have just avoided the fate of other not-so-lucky victims. You can even help out your sisters and/or brothers and notify the management that there is a felon on their site.