It's the Busiest Week for Internet Dating- Here is a Guide to Doing it Right

IF you are single and looking for love then 2014 may be the year to try internet dating.

This week is the busiest time of the year for people looking for that special person online.

In record numbers singles are flocking to internet dating sites with the hope that the love of their lives is just a mouse click away.In fact Match.com says they'll have over 2 million singles logging on over 30 million times this week.

If you have felt a bit lonely over Christmas and New Year and are determined 2014 will be a better romantic year for you then online dating might make all the difference.

The internet is a fantastic way to meet someone, whether that is for a long-term relationship, dating or even just for sex.

When you first get to know someone on the net it can be really exciting and easy to do- but you do have to be careful.

The internet may have revolutionised our lives but there are still dangers lurking around the corner so you have to follow certain rules and understand certain things when you start internet dating.

Don’t think you will meet the woman or man of your dreams right away. You may do this if you are very, very lucky but for the majority of people it will take a bit of time. But don’t be downhearted about it as there are millions of people on the internet looking for exactly what you are looking for.

If you are going out on your first date then whatever you do don’t let the person pick you up from your house as you could be inviting danger to your front door. It doesn’t matter how amazing and lovely they seem online you must meet them first and take it from there.

You should always meet in public places where there as many people as possible so that if you do feel in danger then there are people you can ask for help. Public places such as coffee shops, restaurants or daytime parks are good places to begin with. If it is possible you could double date with friends.

When you are eating in a restaurant or café then offer to pay half of the bill. That way, you won’t feel obliged in returning the favour of treating your date if he or she gets to pay the whole bill as you might never want to see them again.

If possible then avoid drinking alcohol while on a date. Alcohol can affect your judgment and lessen inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep the drink in your sight all the time. Do not get too drunk. You might not know what might happen later or remember what you have been doing.

If you have a car, use it. Make sure the petrol tank is full. When you take your car on a date then you are more in control and can leave at any time. Do not offer your date a lift home though as they could be luring you into danger. If they are for real then they should understand.

Listen to what your gut says. If there is something that does not feel right, then most likely it is not. Leave immediately if you feel something isn’t quite right.

Tell someone whom you are with and where you will be going. You might also want to arrange a time schedule where someone could call you later and check up on you. You could also plan to meet some friends after the date.

Do not give your home contact number. If you really have to give contact information, give your mobile phone number or even better your email address.

Stay alert. Having good chemistry and fun the whole time does not mean you should let your guard down. Be sure you have a mobile phone with you.

Your safety is paramount when dating someone you have met online but remember it is a whole load of fun too and it really is one of the best ways of meeting that special person in an age where we are all glued to our tablets and smart-phones.

So what are you waiting for? Join that dating site today and you may find that person of your dreams and Christmas 2014 could be a very different experience for you.