Have you ever joked about the possibility of a new guy you're about to meet for a date being a serial killer? Well, for me, that scenario became a reality when I ended up dating a murderer.
Online dating can be a convenient way to meet potential suitors, and that's precisely what I was doing when I encountered a seemingly incredible man. He was attractive, had his life together, and possessed that enticing bad-boy persona with a sensitive side.
The best part was that we were both into each other until the day he disclosed that he had served a manslaughter sentence, which, upon further research, was reduced from a murder charge. I won't delve into the details, but it was gruesome. My worst fears were confirmed, and I had to break things off, which I did over the phone as a safety measure.
The crux of the matter is that you never truly know who you're dealing with when dating online. This is why I urge all women, regardless of how awkward it may seem, to conduct a Google search on their potential dates.
1. You Can Be Anyone Online
The expanse of the Internet offers us an endless range of resources that enable us to fabricate a profile that is far from our actual identity. This could include using pictures of someone else, actual personal information that does not raise any alarms, and portraying any desired personality traits. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of the person you are conversing with.
2. You Can Confirm Details
If the personal information he divulges to you contradicts what is stated online, such as claiming to have attended Yale while actually having attended a community college, it's crucial to take note of the warning signs. Even if he is only ashamed of trivial details, do you truly desire to date someone who is dishonest?
3. It Quickly Points You To Warnings Or Settles And Comforts You
Upon conducting a thorough search, you might either discover positive information about the person such as being a high school basketball team captain or volunteering as a little league coach, or like myself, stumble upon some unfortunate revelation such as discovering he was a sociopath.
It's also easy to identify if the person has omitted important details. For instance, I once searched for a guy and learned that he had just returned from a five-year-long trip across Europe with his girlfriend. Needless to say, we never progressed past the first date.
4. It Is A Legitimately Smart Thing To Do
Although some may view it as creepy, conducting a Google search on someone before meeting them is now a crucial step to ensure your own safety. The internet offers powerful tools that allow us to learn important information about a person's character before investing our time and emotions. In today's world, it's essential to exercise caution and take advantage of these resources. While it's natural to want to trust people, it's important to be aware of the reality we live in.
5. Your Safety Is Worth It
Ultimately, safety should be your top priority when online dating. Tinder's requirement for a Facebook profile can be helpful in verifying someone's identity, as it provides insight into their character. It's worth taking the extra step to verify someone's legitimacy before meeting them in person.
