When it comes to online dating safety, there is good advice that’s been around for years and new advice now that is based on the pandemic. We have compiled a few dos and donts to try and help you along the way of your dating during a pandemic.

Safety advice

• If you’re going to meet in person with someone who you have been chatting to always meet in a public place. This is a good idea because it’s mutual ground and you can always leave if you feel uncomfortable. Local dating websites are great for meeting local people such as Lincolnshire Dating.
• Tell someone you know and trust where you’re going and who you will be with. That way if you need their help they will know your location and they can text you to make sure you get home safely. Or get a friend to pick you up after the date.
• Arrange your own transportation. Never rely on your date to get you to and from the place you choose. Plus you may not feel safe them coming to your home to pick you up and drop you off.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol if possible then you will have a clear head and be in control at all times.
• If you get an unsafe vibe, trust your gut and get out of the situation as quickly as possible. Never stay if you feel uncomfortable with the situation.
• Never send money to someone you’ve met online. If they are asking for money then you know they are not interested in dating. Report them to the dating website and they will deal with them in the correct manner.

Red flags to look for

It’s always been important to watch for red flags while getting to know potential romantic partners. Even more so now online dating has a real boom since the pandemic began.

Never give out your personal details to anyone! No matter how much they ask you.

Never send money and if they ask you report them to the dating websites team and they will look into it more for you.

Especially during COVID-19, have a virtual date and then you can see what they are like in person too.

Other red flags include the person quickly pressuring you to leave the dating site to communicate via email or text message or someone who has instant feelings of love. Often if something seems too good to be true it often is.

Pandemic dating tips

• Check your area for increased coronavirus activity and follow government warnings especially if you are wanting to start dating in person. Local dating websites are great for this such as Lincolnshire Dating.
• Pre-screen potential dates on video chatting first.
• Discuss COVID-19 risk factors openly and honestly. Honest is the best way to be.
• Don’t go on a date if either of you are sick or have had contact with someone who is. This will put more people at risk
• Keep initial dates outside and in public. If you do go inside, wear a mask when you need to.

Video dating

More people are using video dating and this has had a 30% increase in using this service for dating. People find this is much safer than meeting in person at the moment.