Safety Part I

This post won't be funny.  It can't be funny.  For your physical, financial, and emotional health and safety there are certain steps to take to be safe while online dating. Please read this great comprehensive list about online dating safety provided by Match.com:  http://www.match.com/help/safetytips.aspx

In general don't share any personal information such as name and contact info until you have developed a lengthy online association.  Never, ever share financial information or give anybody money, ever.  Even after you meet them.  My extra advice is to avoid using the same user name that you use elsewhere.  You don't want a stalker hunting you down on other social media sites because of information you shared in your profile or user name. 

I don't want anybody to be afraid of online dating because of these concerns.  Just remember, most people are good people but you still need to protect yourself. 

Let it be...

We all looked our best in our early twenties and maybe we used to do all kinds of fun activities.  But if you are, say, forty today then you need to look like a forty year old in your pictures.  Just because you used to be a runner five years ago doesn't mean you still run today.  Let it be.  Let the information and pictures on your profile represent who you are today.  Let your profile say what you can offer someone today not how you would have treated them in the past. 

Even though I am older than the last time I was on the dating scene, I actually feel that I have more to offer now.  I am more comfortable in my own shoes and the experiences that have changed my life have made me a better person.  So when you see my profile, you will see pictures taken within the last year, a description of my personality as it is now, and hobbies I currently enjoy (or at least participated in the last year).  I suggest you do the same.