A growing number of singles are turning to online dating as a way of connecting with others who share their interests.
It opens up the dating field tremendously allowing them to meet people they might otherwise not have come into contact with.
When someone catches your eye online you normally trade emails for awhile and get to know something about each other.
If all goes well you'll eventually want to meet face-to-face to see if the chemistry is there! Here are 10 things to consider before taking that first important step:

1. Wait until you feelcomfortable meeting your date in person.
   Don't be pressured to meet beforeyou are ready.
   
2. Meet your date in a publicplace.
   
3. Do not have your date pickyou up - join them at your designated meeting place.
   
4. Set a specific time limit foryour first date - 30 min.
   to 1 hr.
   is plenty of time for a first meeting -and stick to it.
   If things go well you can always schedule a follow update.
   
5. Take your cell phone withyou! Make sure it is fully charged.
   
6. Do not invite your date backto your home on your first date.
   
7. Do not leave food or drinkunattended!
8. Tell at least one friend orfamily member about your date.
   Tell them who you are meeting, theircontact information, and any other information you have gathered aboutyour date.
   Make sure to tell them where you will be, how long you will bethere.
   Make arrangements to call them after your date or arrange for themto call you at some pre-determined time.
   
9. Listen to your instincts.
   Ifat any time you feel uncomfortable during your date - end it and leaveimmediately.
   
10. When the date ends make sureyou are not followed.
    If you are, return to a public place and callsomeone to meet you.
    

Remember, it takes time to build trust in any relationship.
Take your time and get to know the person you are interested in dating.
Do not be rushed - you'll know when the time is right to take your relationship to the next level.
© Danette Collins