PREVENTING ONLINE SURPRISES

Here are some precautions you should take to prevent in-person surprises. Some of these are similar to do's and don'ts about cyberdating that were described earlier.

• Be sure that you have been honest in your description of yourself.
  
  
• Get as much information as possible about each other. You can even ask for a resume or other information, as if your were interviewing that person for a job. Even "meet" their friends over the Internet, for extra information. Send pictures and talk on the phone beforehand so you can see and hear the way you each come across.
  
  
• Play private detective. Check out as much as you can about the person before you meet. Look him/her up in the phone book. Don't be afraid to ask for references or friends that can join the chat.