yung first and second boyfriend ko, i met them through YM Chat. most of the guys i casually dated before and in between, i have also met online. the only exceptions are: around 3 or 4 guys that i dated who i've met through work and school (including my now fiance who i met at work). but that's it, they're the only exceptions. so, come to think of it, most of the past guys in my life, i've met online. minsan naimagine ko nga... siguro kung hindi ako maciado "open" to the virtual world, ang boring siguro ng buhay...
tips lang, girls, if you are planning to meet up with people you just met online:
1. make sure you took time in assessing this person's background and personality before you meet them up. don't waste your time meeting up with people who only made a so-so impression on you. (use hours and hours of online/text conversations, try to come up with an impression or profile i.e. do you think he/she is weird, mabait, mayabang, eccentric, walang substance, safe, war freak, not serial killer/rapist material, same wavelenth, really single, smart, techie, etc. etc.). madaling mag-fake ng persona sa internet, so be alert, if you feel something is off, don't hesitate to drop the idea of meeting up. move on to the next interesting person! the internet is a very efficient tool, so maximize its efficiency!
2. always meet in public; tell someone when, where, what time, who you're meeting, and what time you expect to come back; make sure you
subtly let your date know na someone knows your whereabouts
3. girls, get your own drinks or make sure you keep an eye on them at ALL times; you don't want any drugs being placed into your drinks, just because you're too distracted texting, taking pictures or updating your fb status. hehe, inattentiveness is one recipe for date rape... just saying...
4. as much as possible, sa first meeting, stay in one place lang muna (saka na ang bar or videoke hopping); try to avoid getting into the car if wala kayong ibang kasama.
5. if he's making unwanted "moves," leave.