So you’ve made some rounds in the online dating community. There seems to be a few special guys or gals who you may have a special connection with. But how do you know when it’s time to take it to the next level and arrange a meeting date?

Instructions:

Step 1
Don’t rush things. Online dating is a relatively safe method to explore people with similar interests as long as you stick to the pay sites, which have in place rigid methods to protect their customers. Avoid divulging too much about yourself. As with any relationship, you should take things slow. Don’t be pressured into phone communication until both of you are ready. You should always trust your gut with anything that may seem a little off-putting about a person you’re getting to know. Let things mature naturally.

Step 2
Be honest. There’s something to what you’re mother told you about honesty. The more upfront you are about yourself, the better fit you’re going to find. Ask for a recent picture. Nothing wrong with the picture they have posted from back in college when they had perfect lighting and a great haircut, but the two of you should avoid any unnecessary shocks.

Step 3
Anyone can paint themselves charming via emails and instant messaging, but put a voice to them. However, even if you’re comfortable with the person that you’ve gotten to know, don’t give out a home number. Use a cell phone or, if you’re really brave, an online video chat. Either way, talking will act as another buffer to weed out potential weirdos. Don’t rush this step, either; get comfy chatting with this person.

Step 4
Meet in public if things are going really well, and you both are ready to finally meet. Get there on your own and decline any offers for them to pick you up at home. Don’t have any unfair expectations, either. Namely, if you’re at dinner, don’t order the surf and turf if you’ve “forgotten” your wallet. By now, you should know each other pretty well, but still listen to your gut. Anything seemingly fishy shouldn’t be ignored.

Step 5
Don’t forget to let someone know when and where you’re going for this first meeting. If you really want to be cautious, email a photo of your date to this person.