Online relationship advice - reduce the risk, increase the fun

Online relationship advice, coupled with your common sense, will help you get the most out of this exciting social activity while staying safe.

Like any relationship, online relationships involve real people.

To develop and improve these relationships you need to be aware of some important aspects of online life.

Here are a few tips to help you be smart about it so that both of you can enjoy the experience.

• Remember that at the other end is a real flesh and blood person. He or she is as real as you and me.
• Being online offers some degree of anonymity. Make use of that by not giving out your personal details and don't expect the other person to "tell all" up front. When is the right time to start revealing personal details? Read Privacy Online.
• Apply the Golden Rule and treat your online friend as you would like to be treated. Be prepared to meet some people who will not live by this rule.
• If you are offended by someone online make an attempt to let them know how you feel. Be assertive, not aggressive. Use something like When you ..., I feel ..., because ... If things get worse, pull out. If he corrects his ways, you've helped him grow.
• Be aware of the addiction factor. We can be tempted to become an entirely different person when online. Physical features that might impact our offline life practically disappear when online. Do not become dependent on your online friends while neglecting your offline life.
• Find a happy balance between life online and offline. Spending too much time in chat rooms and forums can have a negative impact on our offline lives. If you crave to get "back online" whenever you are away from your computer, take a break. Make it a whole week. Of course, let your online friends know that you will be away for a while.

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