Question #1

Should I, as one on the road to being and becoming conscious open myself to a dating service? Isn't a dating service one step up from hanging out at a bar?

A: As a conscious single you owe it to yourself to take intentional, proactive steps towards your life's enrichment. Becoming connected with others, friends or life partners, is an innate need. It is important to be comfortable with yourself and being single, but it is also important to strive for depth in relationship. Part of the conscious strategy is to balance the attachment to the outcome. There is a balance between giving up and no longer trying to connect with others, and being compulsive and overly impatient in degree. The bottom line is to be intelligently proactive. And we at Conscious Singles believe that we are an intelligent choice.

Question #2

I am concerned with the safety of Internet dating. What tips do you have for dating and meeting safety?

A: Conscious Singles offers like minded singles an alternate way to meet and socialize. When you are corresponding through e-mail or meeting members off-line, please use sound judgment and responsible conduct both online and off. As in the traditional dating arena, common sense and awareness are your best safety tools. We truly want your experience with us to be safe and fun!

Things to Watch For: Watch for language and statements that sound evasive. Pay attention to choppy sentences and stories where appropriate detail as been omitted. Simple lies and deceptions are the easiest to rehearse and keep undetected. Be relatively conservative and trust your instincts. If it feels suspicious or uncomfortable - move on!

Keep Your Anonymity: Never include personal information in your profile or initial e-mails that could help someone to locate or identify you. Your last name, real e-mail address, home address, phone number, place of work, or any other identifying information should be kept private until you are completely comfortable with someone. Be cautious and selective. Stop communicating with anyone who pressures you for information or attempts in any way to trick you into revealing it.

Never Feel Pressured to Meet Anyone In Person: One advantage of getting to know someone online is that you can gradually screen information and then make a choice about pursuing the relationship. You are NEVER obligated to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. And you always have the right to change your mind even if you do decide to arrange a meeting. Again, trust your instincts!

If You Decide To Meet: You can never be absolutely certain about the background, motives or behavior of someone you've agreed to meet. Always go with more caution, not less. Never agree to meet someone if you feel at all uncomfortable or afraid. When you decide to meet someone, proceed carefully. Always make sure a friend or family member knows about your meeting - where and when. Make arrangements to check in with them on your return. Meet in a public place at a time when you expect many other people to be present. Avoid isolated or remote places such as drives in the country or hikes through the woods until you are completely comfortable with someone. Take your own car for the first few meetings and do not ride with the other person. Make sure you end the meeting while there are still other people present.If you are asked about getting together again, answer honestly. It's OK to decline further meetings.