A first meeting with any new love interest can be exciting, and most first meetings are perfectly safe. But it's always smart to take basic precautions. Always trust your instincts. And be sure to keep the following guidelines in mind:

Don't share your real name, personal phone numbers, or any other identifying information while IMing or emailing until you are comfortable doing so.
You should remain anonymous until you feel safe and ready to explore other options.
Your communication options on are designed to help you protect your identity until you choose to reveal it — this includes email, IM and even record a voice or video message, which allows you to talk on your own phone without having to reveal phone numbers.

As an added safety measure, set up a third-party email address to use expressly for dating purposes and forward your Match.com emails there instead of to your personal email box. Make sure you turn off signatures or identifying information in your email and consider using a P.O. Box for snail mail.

Never include your personal contact information in your profile. Examples of the kind of information you should not include in your profile include telephone numbers, email addresses, IM addresses, your home or work address, and your last name. Passwords should be unique, not a version of your name or birth date.

Use a current picture and be truthful in your description of yourself in your profile.
Misleading descriptions or photos can result in angry feelings and can end a relationship before it begins. In the long run, honesty is your best relationship tool.

If you're planning on meeting someone, tell at least two people where you're going, the person's name, their general description, and your expected time home
Always meet someone in a neutral location. Never have them come to your home or place of work to pick you up. NEVER meet in a private home (or in a hotel room) or in a remote location.

Always be aware of the personal information you're revealing to a date.
If you meet someone for a date, carry a cellphone with you and make arrangements with a friend to be available for you to call should there be a problem. You can even ask your friend to contact you at a predetermined time.

Use common sense. If you get a bad "vibe" maybe it's time to end the date..

if you are ready and feel comfortable do set up a next date. Remember to follow all of these tips on subsequent meetings, until you feel confident with your new friend. If the other person is sincerely interested in you, he or she will want you to feel safe.

We Wish You a Happy Search and the Best of Luck Finding Your Right Match!