Since the Craiglist murder first entered headlines a few years back, singles looking for love online have been asking me how the internet dating murder case from Craigslist impacts online dating. I get this type of question both with my one-on-one dating coaching as well as in online dating workshops.
The thing to note is that while the media has sensationalized the Craigslist murder as an online dating site related death that is not actually an accurate portrayal of the case. I am not blaming the victim. However, what you need to know is that this was not a Craigslist Personals date. The woman was advertising in the erotic services section of the SERVICES area of Craigslist. She was involved in what is already known as an incredibly high risk behavior as well as profession. Their first meeting was directly in a hotel bedroom. They did not follow any of the safety and security behaviors and habits which I advise to singles as their normal and regular habits.
The idea behind establishing safety and security habits is that by making them your habit, you don’t have to think about them. You don’t have to all of a sudden try to remember them when you suddenly go on a date with another single you met via an internet dating site. Do practice safety and security behaviors on a regular basis. They also establish personally valuing yourself appropriately. Smart singles also respect and admire this in others. Anytime you need to say any of these to the single you are planning logistics with in order to meet them, you can always utter the phrase, “I’m sure you understand.” And this can be a sign unto you. Anyone who responds to that badly, that is a clear sign to you that the person is not good for you. Most single men and single women really do understand in this sophisticated age of online dating. Should anyone respond badly, I’ll just go ahead and say it here and now. They’re an idiot. And you’re better off without them and not meeting them.
Here’s a whole section of what to do and not do for dating safety and security behaviors for you to establish as your dating habits:
Top Ten Internet Dating Safety and Security Tips
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Internet Dating and Relationship Expert
as seen in “Dating for Dummies” 3rd Edition
Click here to apply to have April write your professionally written internet dating profile.
Internet Dating Profile Writing and Review
Have you tried internet dating? But it’s not really working for you like the glamorous images you see depicted in the tv ads? Want help to be successful and safe with online dating? Are you ready to get online and look for love using the exciting internet dating sites? Have you been online for awhile, but you just don’t seem to be finding and attracting the right kind of singles for you? April offers her internet dating profile writing and review service to empower to attract love online and get better dates. If you already have an online dating profile, she will review it and assist you to rev it up to be more attractive and alluring to the opposite sex. If you are at square one and want to get online, with her Internet Dating Profile Writing service, she’ll help you capture and convey your unique essence online and get your profile posted asap.
To apply to April for her Internet Dating Profile Writing and Review Coaching Service, send her an email to april (AT) aprilbraswell.com.
Clare Delaney says
April 25, 2011 at 11:02 PMInternet datnig can be a minefield – but not if we follow your great tips! Thanks April!
Clare
For Everything Eco-Friendly
Reading Body Language says
April 25, 2011 at 11:28 PMYour advise is always solid April.
John Moulder says
April 26, 2011 at 4:30 AMGood advice . It must be difficult for couples to make a relaxed , yet safe , place to meet , for the first couple of dates .
Rachel Robinson says
April 26, 2011 at 7:41 AMI gave internet dating a shot myself a year ago and it was definitely scary. I decided it wasn’t for me but I can see how it works for a lot of people if they follow the right guidelines.
Leadership Is A Choice
Kevin Hogan says
April 26, 2011 at 7:48 AMUltimately it’s ALWAYS buyer beware, Craigslist or not. Male OR Female…
Risk(s) is involved in every relationship or potential relationship.
Sonya Lenzo says
April 26, 2011 at 12:21 PMVery good advice. My scariest date was actually a fixup who came very highly recommended. One needs to always take precautions and if it doesn’t feel right then its not right!
Sonya Lenzo
Kevin Bettencourt says
April 26, 2011 at 12:48 PMGreat advice with what should be common sense. But that in itself isn’t all that common.
Eva Palmer says
April 26, 2011 at 1:06 PMI have never done an online dating. I would definetly follow your advice and tips to keep safe before doing so.
Neil Dhawan says
April 26, 2011 at 5:02 PMThe the Craigslist Murder may have heightened awareness, but as soon as the sensationalism dies down, people will revert to a comfortable behavior. This is a very important post with good advice! It seems like a lot of this “should” be common sense and I think you’ve played an important role by spelling it out clearly.
Best, Neil
http://geneflora.com/digestion-how-does-your-pets-body-work/
Trisha Chambers says
April 26, 2011 at 5:13 PMI don’t understand why people still use craigslist to hook up, but then again craigslist is very well know as just that; a hook up site. You can get just about any type of date you want there……
Dewayne Chriswell says
April 27, 2011 at 3:53 AMVery cool tips on personal safety, April. In getting to know anyone, there are no shortcuts. The most valuable possession anyone can have is their safety and freedom. Anyone who believes they can throw themselves at the mercy of another without taking the time to ensure they have adequate protection or security measures usually ends up being referred to as “victim”. Not worth the risk.
Dewayne Chriswell
http://dewaynechriswell.com
Jennifer Battaglino says
April 27, 2011 at 5:33 PMI remember when this murdered happened. I have to admit that I didn’t know craigslist had a singles forum….just the erotic and then the prostitution posts. Therefore I didn’t think it had as big an impact as it could have.
Jen B
Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
Daiana says
May 23, 2011 at 7:55 AMExcellent dating tip. I’ve heard that thousands of singles post internet personals ads at craigs list. Good idea for a simple and easy way to meet interesting and engaging guys. Keep up the awesome work!