Adult Personals sites are fun places to meet new people, and friends you'll meet online can be the sexiest, most loving you'll ever know. Chatting online or through email is safe, but meeting someone in person that you've met on the net for the first time needs a bit of common sense.

1 Use your instincts. We know you want to trust everyone and believe everything they say, especially when they're saying what you want to hear. If it's too good to be true, it sometimes is. More often than not, the person you've met through personals online is just the same in person, but take your time to get to know her/him/them.

2 Remain anonymous. Until you know that the person or persons you're interested in are the sort you want to meet, remain anonymous. Most adult personals sites allow you to use a nickname and send mail using only the nickname an anonymous address. Don't be pressured to "send mail to my private email" because you'll be giving out your personal details in your return address.

3 Remain wary. Don't believe everything you see on screen. If you have any doubts, ask questions. If there is even the slightest bit of doubt, move on. There are SO many people out there that could make you happy, so don't take a chance. Dating services can help you find a new partner!

4 Don't be pushed! If you're not ready to meet someone, don't be coerced into it. You'll be upset and you might be putting yourself at risk. So what if you're accused of "not being real"? At least you'll feel good until you ARE ready to meet in person.

5 Spend time online. If you're not 100% certain this person is for real, spend time in online chat or email until you're sure. When you're ready for dating, both of you will be comfortable.

6 Talk on the phone. You can learn a lot about someone by talking over the phone. To ensure your anonymity, give a mobile phone number or use a pay phone. If you hear anything that gives you doubts, don't meet.

7 Photos. Picture personals prove that a picture is worth 1000 words. It doesn't tell the whole story, but you can tell whether you're physically attracted to this person. If the photo looks too good to be true, ask for a photo to be taken somewhere you suggest. If it can't be done, it might not be their photo!

8 Personality flaws. If your new friend displays controlling behavior. (needs to know where you are, is unhappy when you do things away from the computer), shows anger or anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable, then this person is not going to make you happy. If you're an outgoing, friendly woman, a clinging, possessive man will drive you up the wall.

9 Be safe. When you decide to meet for the first time, tell someone where you're going. Take your own car, public transportation or ask a friend to take you and pick you up. These security measures won't last forever and if he or she is put off by them, then tell them to find someone else. There is never going to be only one person that you must have in order to be happy.

10 Always be alert. Safety precautions are not only for meeting new friends from the Internet. These guidelines are good ideas whether you're meeting someone you've met at a concert, in a pub or at the grocery store. Just be careful out there.