Six Online Dating Characters to Avoid
It's more and more common to become an online dating single and try to contact people with the hope that you may wish to go out with one of them, or perhaps even to develop a further relationship with him or her. You can meet some great people this way, and most of the profiles you look at are honorable and genuine. You can, however, meet some more worrying characters online. Here are six to lookout for.1. Married Terry. You never actually know whether the new individual you meet and develop an interest in is really an online dating single. Married people can be found at the loca grocery store, a sporting event in the next city and believe it or not, at an online dating site. The difference with an online dating site is that it's easier for Terry to disguise him/herself so that s/he isn't recognizable to spouse and friends. Sometimes people who are "technically" married (i.e., not yet divorced) set up an online profile before they are truly available.
2. Bailey the Kid. Most online dating sites are closed to people younger than 18 years of age, but that doesn't stop some kids from posting profiles.
Online dating is for adults, and there are serious legal and ethical problems when children get involved, even if it's the child who is at fault. Avoid anybody who sounds juvenile, immature or too young for you.
3. Geezer Jo. At the other end of the spectrum are people who lie about their ages to attract much younger people. Some older online dating singles enjoy the company of much younger people, and there is nothing wrong with that. The problem is when Jo is dishonest and misleading.
4. Deceptive Chris. Chris would tell you s/he's not lying on his/her profile. Sure, that picture was taken ten years ago when he had hair or she was size 3. Maybe s/he's not exactly a doctor, but s/he does work at a hospital in housekeeping, and athletic might have been an optimistic description.
5. Persona Pat. While Chris inflates, deflates and distorts his or her personal characteristics, Pat just invents a different person. S/he may even post a picture of a completely different online dating single. Persona Pat doesn't exist. S/he's pure fabrication.
6. Stranger Danger. Beyond the people who are dishonest or deceptive, there are a few just plain dangerous people who lurk in online dating services. They are predators and they are looking for victims. Stranger danger is a fact in real life and in the cyber-universe.
The most effective way to ward off getting involved with an online dating single person you might regret knowing later is to go slowly when establishing an online relationship. Believe your instincts and don't disclose too much personal information too soon. Be a bit cynical and a lot smart, and you can avoid the people you don't want to meet, and meet the ones you do.
About the Author
For a free online dating newsletter and a list of internet dating services, visit Brad Morgan's site at http://www.internet-dating-sites.com, your trusted resource for online dating sites.