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| Tips For Safer Dating In and Out The Garden! |
Dating online can be a positive, and pleasurable experience if done right. We feel that online dating opens up a new and exciting avenue of meeting new people besides traditional dating methods. Pokadotgarden.com gives all members access to our database 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for means of meeting interesting men and women from all around the world.
Online dating also gives you the control to carefully screen each ad by using good judgment and common sense. It's fast, easy, and it can be done right in the comfort of your own home. Most dating services charge a fee, but you find it much "less" expensive than dating through newspaper ads, which can run up your phone bill to a frightening point.
We recommend that once becoming a member with Pokadotgarden.com, you will use good judgment and build a solid online relationship before giving out valuable information, such as phone numbers, address or last names ect.
The PokaDot Garden is not responsible for the outcome of any dates. Please see our Disclaimer page for more details. We are concerned for your safety. Here are some SUGGESTED "Do's and Don'ts" for safely finding interracial love, romance, friendship, companionship and pen pals. Have fun, and God Bless! |
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PRELIMINARY CONTACT
Talking on the Phone... |
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Trust - DO trust your instincts. If this person sounds fake or phony, or too good to be true, then they just might be. Look for words that signal a lack of honesty, promises of what the two of you "might, could, or would do" on your first date or slick monologues/dialogues. If you feel strange or apprehensive, then cut your conversation short, and/or end any plans for a date or personal encounter. |
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Ask - DO ask questions, after all, you are trying to get to know this person for a possible dating, love, friendship or companionship relationship. Ask how you can locate their personal ad or profile online at the site so you can view it. |
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Privacy - DON'T tell all. Never include your last name, place of employment, address, phone number, or home address over the phone until you feel safe to do so!!! And never do so in your personal ad / profile. |
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The Key - Remember you are never obligated to spend time with or to meet any of our single ladies or gentlemen. If you do decide to meet someone for a date, you have the right to change your mind! |
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Go! - DO go with your hunches, never meet someone who pressures or "goes against the grain". DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU! |
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FACE TO FACE CONTACT
The First Date In Person... |
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Pay Attention - DON'T overindulge in any mood altering substance that might hamper or cloud your ability to stay alert and cautious. Do pay attention to your suspicions. Don't meet someone if you feel at all uncertain or afraid. Do listen to your instincts. If a voice inside says "no go" then find an excuse to end this dating game. |
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Secrets - DON'T keep your date a secret. Make sure that a friend or family member knows about your date (what, where, when.) Be sure to check in with them when you arrive at the location of your date and when you arrive back home. |
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Safety - DO select the safest possible meeting place. Do meet where you are comfortable and in a public place where there are other people around (coffee house, restaurant, library, church). Don't meet at one of your homes or places of employment. |
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Avoid - DO avoid secluded places, late night rendezvous, hikes, swims, bike rides, etc. in remote areas unless there are others around. Do Not be alone with your new friend be it a man or woman immediately. |
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Transportation - DO take your own car. If you decide to move your original meeting place to another location, you should be secure and independent and make sure you've notified a friend or family member of your new date location. |
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Travel - DO try these travel tips if you're meeting out of the area. Do arrange for your own transportation. Don't disclose the name of your hotel. Don't let your date make the arrangements unless you agreed prior to your date. Do call your date from the hotel and meet at the location you already agreed upon.
***Always Let Someone Know Your Plans*** |
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Planning - DON'T plan an entire day together, there will be other times to discuss all the dimensions of each other. Be smart. Meet for one activity and keep it simple. Stay away from intense conversations and unwanted encounters. |
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Enjoy! - DO remember to relax and enjoy yourself!! |
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Ask - DON'T interrogate your date. Relax, chat and ask friendly questions. |
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Have Fun! - DO have fun, but pay attention and watch for Red Flags:
• Displays of Anger
• Pressuring or Controlling Behavior
• Demeaning or Disrespectful Comments
• Any Physically Threatening or Inappropriate Mannerisms |
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Common Sense - DON'T do anything you feel unsure about. You have the right to say "NO". |
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Be Safe - DON'T stay in an unsafe situation.
• Get out of there
• Excuse yourself |
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Call - DO call the police when necessary ... it's always better to be safe than sorry. DON'T feel embarrassed to ask for help ... your safety is more important than another person's opinion of you. |
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Be Honest - DO end your date in a public place where people are present ... when the time is appropriate, thank your date and bid him/her goodbye.
DO be honest ... Remember, this person just might be your Soul Mate. You may be asked for another date. Answer honestly. If you feel comfortable with this person, it is alright to say "Yes" to another date. And more importantly, it is alright to say "No" if you are uncomfortable ... but be polite. |
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Remember...
• Be Smart!
• Don't Give Into Pressure!
• Follow Your Extincts!
• Tell Someone About Your Plans!
• Meet In A Safe and Secure Place!
• Relax and Have Fun! |
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