ChristianMingle.com is more than just a site for Christian dating. At its core, it is a community for Christians to find other Christians with the same values and love for God. While it’s an ideal destination for Christian singles looking to build a strong relationship with other Christians, it’s also a place (just like any other) where we need to be mindful of personal safety.

Safety-wise, meeting on the Net is inherently similar to meeting offline. As long as the same standard dating precautions are followed, cyber-savvy daters can feel truly at ease while getting to know each other. The main thing to remember: trust your instincts and use common sense just like you would offline. Here are a few other tips to remember on your quest to meet “The One.”

• Only reveal what you’re comfortable revealing. You are in control of your online experience at all times and can choose to remain completely anonymous until you feel ready for more.

• Go at your own pace! It’s completely up to you to decide when to take your online relationship offline. You have an advantage online because you can get to know each other before you meet, so use this to you own benefit! Remember, you don’t need to take anything further than the computer or phone wires until you feel completely at ease.

• Give your friend’s the head’s up. When you do decide to meet face to face, pick a public place and provide your own transportation to and from. Tell a friend where you’re going and check in when you return home.

• Keep your private information private. Never include your personal contact information in your profile, especially telephone numbers, email, home address or your last name, and only give them out when your instincts tell you this is someone you can trust. It’s okay to take your time.

• Two is better than one. Consider setting up a second email account just for online personals.

• Do your research. Ask a lot of questions and watch for inconsistencies.

• Again, do your research. If someone gives you a phone number with a strange area code, check it out to make sure it’s not a charge number before you make the call.

• Ignore those who push. Stay away from members who won’t take no for an answer or pressure you for any kind of personal information. Serious cyber-savvy daters will respect your space and allow you to take your time.

• Never send money to someone you meet online. If someone asks you to go to their personal web site or asks you for money, use common sense not to oblige and then report the situation to us.

• Trust yourself. Using your own good judgment is your best bet because ultimately you are responsible for your personal dating experience.

• Enjoy yourself! You’re on the path to meeting someone new. It may be daunting at times, but it should also be enjoyable! Trust your instincts and then have fun with the right people!