If we admit that most people hide something about themselves when they first meet a potential partner, we would also have to admit that some people hide fundamental things about themselves in order to take advantage of a person or a situation.

A US site giving online dating statistics, reveals that some 40% of online dating users are married.  How sneaky is that!

We’ve all been there though.  Even under traditional circumstances, meeting someone in a bar or pub, he or she seems quite nice, pleasant to look at, good sense of humour, not in bad shape.  Why not accept a date?  Might be an amusing evening.  So we go for it.

These are the potential dangers of dating when you’ve already met someone, albeit briefly.  How much more careful do you have to be with online dating?  Much more.
And that’s where DatingDoubles comes into its own.  If your instincts let you down because you are instantly attracted to someone,  your friends’ might just be that much more acute.  Your friend on a double date might suggest you take care, this person may not be all they seem.

Dating Doubles co-founder, Christine Oliver says:  “ We advise our members to look out for what we call the ‘Red Riding Hood syndrome’ in any dating situation, whether double or single dating.

“Unfortunately, the growth in online dating sites has meant that unprincipled surfers are registering with sites and taking advantage of genuine members.  Dating with a friend through DatingDoubles not only provides an extra measure of caution, but creates a much more traditional way of making new friends, possibly finding romance, but without the awkwardness and embarrassment of the blind date.”

Safety in numbers with DatingDoubles.co.uk

Online dating is generally extremely safe, friendly and great fun and DatingDoubles.co.uk was created with safety and fun in mind. It’s safe for two reasons, first of all it’s distance dating and secondly you go on a date with a friend. When dating online you don’t come into contact with others initially which provides a comfort factor that also allows you to pace yourself and be choosey, and when you do meet up you will be in a foursome which will help to lighten the atmosphere. No awkward first moments, just four people out to have some fun and romance.

Another great thing about dating in doubles is that you’re not stuck for the evening or lunch with the person you chose on site if they turn out not to be as compatible as you hoped … there’s always their friend! It wouldn’t be the first time that two friends have swapped dates having realised that they picked the wrong person initially. And with four people the pressure to find romance is off. You can relax and enjoy the date together.

Dating with a friend does make the whole thing a lot safer, but it’s still wise to be cautious. If possible it’s a good idea to follow a few basic online safe dating principles before deciding to share personal contact information with a stranger or arrange to meet them. The tips here are from LoveBrowser.com. They may appear obvious to you but we think that if you try to follow them, it can only help to ensure you have happy online dating experiences.

Always trust your instinct – it’s got you this far in life already

• Don’t take everything at face value
• Do ask lots of questions when chatting
• If someone is abusive, block them straight away
• Don’t provide your home or work address to anyone you have not met
• Before agreeing to a date, check that you know as much as possible
• Don’t allow yourself to be talked into anything, whatsoever! You are the one in charge

Also consider the following:

• Take your time to get to know someone. Don’t be rushed
• A patient person will be happy to wait until you’re ready to meet
• Chat on the phone for a while before arranging a date, get to know each other
• Always meet in a public place that is well known and convenient to you

And perhaps consider these points too:

• Always carry a mobile on a date if you have one
• Lunchtimes are good for dating, convenient, and they have a time limit
• Always make your own travel arrangements on a date initially
• Don’t accept a lift home on the first date or reveal your address
• If travelling far, organise your own accommodation
• Ensure you have as much information about your date as possible
• Keep your first date to a time limit so that you have an “exit” point
• Don’t feel you owe it to someone to meet them, you don’t