When you're doing online dating, it's important to stay safe and sane.  Online dating is naturally pretty safe and has built-in features to keep it that way, but here are some other things to keep in mind to make your internet dating experience a great one:

1. It's Ok to Take Your Time

It should send up a red flag if someone you're chatting to online wants things to move faster.  Make sure you take things at a comfortable pace and keep a lookout for people who push you to do otherwise.  That's when online dating starts to feel creepy. 

2. Stay Anonymous

Most internet dating sites work with a double-blind system where you can't see the contact information of others and they can't see yours, unless you give it to them directly.  You generally have a screen name and don't reveal your real name.  Keep it this way for a while! Along with the first rule, don't rush into things and keep yourself anonymous until you feel fully comfortable that your online dating buddy is dependable.  It's a huge red flag if someone pushes you to give this information.

3. Use Your Common Sense!

There are a couple no-brainers that will set off your instincts when you're online dating, and you need to listen to your gut. You can sense when someone is lying or sneaky, so pay attention.  If someone professes their love on the internet dating site after the first few days, pay attention to how that probably doesn't seem right!  Use your noodle.

4. Ask to See a Photo

If someone is contacting you but doesn't have a profile picture, ask to see one.  You get a better sense of someone from their photo.  If the photo seems fake or their face is obscured, ask for another.  Do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable and like you can get a good sense of the person.       

5. Talk over the Phone

You learn a lot about a person by talking to them over the phone.  If they are resisting that step and just want to meet you, you should be worried about that.  Only give them your cell phone number if you get a good feeling about them.  You don't want to give things out to a stranger.

6. Only Meet When You Feel Ready

Don't ever be pressured by someone else when you try online dating.  If they're pressuring to meet you, only do so when you feel ready.  It's unsafe to be convinced by someone else to go on a date when you don't feel right about it.   Trust your gut, and your online dating experience is going to work out a lot better for you.

These are just some of the obvious precautions and red flags to look out for when you're online dating.  Internet dating and online matchmaking can be very fun and safe, but you have to use your head and your gut to smell a rat.