Dating Articles  

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Step 4. Separate prospects from suspects.

If you followed step three you'll be getting a number of potential dates. The task now is to separate the good (prospects) from the bad (suspects).

As a dating single parent your first job is to protect yourself and your child from anyone that would do anyone of you harm. Safety will be your first screen.

If you know the persons full name check to see if this person is a sex offender. Your state may have a registry where you can check for free. Better safe than sorry.

If it's a dating website candidate spend time to get to know the person via e-mail first. The rule is give just general information (no phone numbers, last names, addresses etc) until you get to know the person over a period of time. Minimum two to three months. If hey can't wait that long then move them to the suspect file and delete them.

If this is a blind date from your family and friends get ALL the information you can on the person. This would be a good time to write down some questions that you'd like to ask your potential date. Nothing like being prepared. Talk on the phone first.

Ask questions to determine if there is some broad based compatibility. Do you like the same things? Dislike the same things? The closer you can match these the happier you'll be.

Once you've done your homework it's time to go on a date. WooHoo!

Step 5. Date!

The first rule is be yourself. The second rule is have fun. If you can follow those two rules you'll have a great time. To ensure that you have a safe and fun time follow these rules.

1) Always let someone know who you're going out with. Where you'll be going. What time to expect you home.

2) Bring your cell phone. If you don't have a cell phone. Get one. They're cheap. No reason not to have one.

3) Always meet in a public place for your first meeting.

4) Arrange a date dump call. Arrange for someone to call you mid way through your date. Prearrange a code word to let them know that your date is going well or not. This is your opportunity to dump your date if you're bored to tears.

5) Consider having your date somewhere you can talk. Like over dinner or maybe a lunch date. Avoid movies on the first date because it doesn't allow you the opportunity to get to know someone. At a movie you get to sit silently for two hours listening to the person behind crunch popcorn and slurp their five gallon bucket of soda. How fun is that!

Being a single parent doesn't mean shutting your heart down. Despite having your kid(s) fill every minute of your waking day you still have a longing in your heart for that special someone.

If not for love...maybe just for a good adult conversation over a warm cup of coffee. Good luck in your dating!

About The Author
James Lindsey is a writer and publisher that takes the mystery out of romance and dating. His work can be enjoyed at his website http://www.RomanceRebel.com. Or send a e mail request to newsletter@RomanceRebel.com and get heart smart relationship advice & tips delivered to you!