DO... remain anonymous when you create your profile to avoid being identified on-line.

DO... be honest in your personal ad and in any emails or online conversations.

DO... if you choose to post a photo, make it a current one.

DO... crop out extra people from your photo. IF you must post a photo that includes others, please specify yourself in your description.

DO... get a free anonymous email account, such as Hotmail or Yahoo!

DO... make your intentions clear.

DO... use common sense and rely on your intuition.

DO... be considerate, respond to correspondences even if just to say no thank-you.

DO... plan a phone date before deciding to meet in person.

DO... spend sufficient time corresponding electronically and talking on the phone before agreeing to meet in person.

DO... exchange photos if you feel you are falling for someone and would like to meet in person. As much as we hate to admit it, looks do count!

DO... once comfortable, arrange to meet in person soon to reduce expectations that can quickly develop in an online relationship.

DO... look at each date as chance to meet a new person. Lower your expectations and have fun!

DO... plan a short meeting as a first date; perhaps coffee, ice cream, or a light lunch. If all goes well, plan your 2nd date.

DO... meet in a well-populated, familiar public place close to home.

DO... tell a friend who, where and when you will be meeting; agree to call when you arrive home.

DO... charge the battery and take your cell phone with you.

DO... provide your own transportation to and from the first date.

DO... try to relax, keep the conversation light-hearted, be yourself and have a good time!

DO... ask questions about your date's interests to start a conversation.

DO... pay attention to any feelings of suspicion.

DO... give your date the benefit of the doubt. If you are uncertain of your feelings, say so and plan to continue communications.

DO... you believe in love at first sight?

DO... be courteous when parting ways. If both parties consent, share a quick hug and plan another date! If not politely move on...

DO... drop the class if the cute photo on the cover of your XML text book strongly resembles the guy who recently dumped you. IF it is too late to drop, cover the book!

DO... hire a private detective if you are suspious and need final proof that your lover is cheating on you.

DO... believe if someone is cheating they are not committed to the relationship despite what they say...

DO... be suspicious if week day lunches are still the only dates with someone you have been seeing for several months.

DO... pay with cash when purchasing Valentine's Day gifts for someone special early in a relationship.

DON'TS...

DON'T... use your real name or any part of your name as your profile ID.

DON'T... give false impressions which could later lead to embarrassment or disappointment by either party.

DON'T... post your 5+ year old high school or college graduation or wedding photo, even if it is your best shot.

DON'T... include your ex-spouse or otherwise significant other in your photo.

DON'T... give out your work or business email address.

DON'T... lead someone on if you are just flirting online with no intention of ever meeting.

DON'T... continue if something seems fishy, funny or harmful. If something feels wrong, it probably IS wrong!

DON'T... leave someone hanging, hoping or guessing.

DON'T... hop from a single email to a week-end getaway.

DON'T... be rushed into meeting someone. IF he/she really wants to meet YOU, they will wait until you are ready.

DON'T... meet totally site unseen, without first exchanging photos. Spare yourselves any disappointment if one or both of you decides you don't like the others looks.

DON'T... be too disappointed if online (or phone) chemistry is not reality; remember there are more frogs in the pond!

DON'T... expect the next person you meet to be The One.

DON'T... make your first meeting a 5 course meal or a night at the opera. It could be difficult to part company if either party wants out!

DON'T... meet at a deserted park, beach or swamp even if it is daylight.

DON'T... be secretive. Men, this applies to you too. Did you see Fatal Attraction?

DON'T... hesitate to call for help if the situation gets uncomfortable.

DON'T... rely on your date for transportation. It will be easier for you to leave an akward situation if you have your own transportation options.

DON'T... steer the conversation towards your divorce, past relationships or other negative topics.

DON'T... monopolise or one-side the conversation by talking only about yourself.

DON'T... overindulge in alcohol or any other mood altering substance that might cloud your ability to stay alert and cautious.

DON'T... confuse nervousness or shyness with lack of interest.

DON'T... let your emotions carry you away. Don't assume that it is OK to kiss someone on the first date.

DON'T... say you had a nice time if you didn't and don't say "I'll call you" if you don't mean it; don't leave someone with false expectations of another date.

DON'T... torture yourself by continually gazing at photos of a special someone you are no longer dating. Put those keepsakes and photos away!

DON'T... make a fool of yourself by stalking a cheating lover.

DON'T... be blinded by love. Don't believe a cheating lover if they say they are sorry and promise to change. Once a cheater, always a cheater!

DON'T... assume you are the one and only if your date arranges meetings at the last minute, repeatedly cancels, or says he'll call and either forgets or says he got busy.

Hope this helps out your online dating experience. People do find for Love, Romance, Sex, Casual Affairs, One night stands, group sex, threesomes online, so give it a try, you could just find your perfect match in cyber space!