Here we are,us Baby Boomers, rocking along then suddenly we are single again either by divorce or the death of a spouse(as in my case). Sooner or later, we get tired of watching “Lucy” re-runs while sipping on an energy drink and start to think about dating again. WOW! That is a big step! For me, the last time I went on a date Jimmy Carter was in the White House, a mouse was something the cat brought in half dead, and a webb was what a spider wove. We did not have to worry about locking our doors at night and had never hear of cable TV. My how things have changed! Some singles join clubs and others choose an online dating provider such as E Harmony or Match.com (to name a few)there are hundreds of them to choose from. Regardless of the dating method you are just comfortable with, you have to be very careful. Unfortunally there are criminals and sexual predators lurking on the internet just waiting. For some reason many think that just because we are a little older, we have lots of money…don’t we wish! Well, let them wait because I am going to give you a few tips so you can have fun while protecting yourself and your idenitiy. Never give any personal information on your profile such as your full name (stick to a user name or a nick name)where you live (state only) or work (all they need to know is the type of work, ie a nurse or teacher).Leave out your date of birth, age, social security number, or phone number. There are people who use these web sites to get the little bit if information they need to steal your identity. If someone presures you for any of this information, stop communicating with them at once. Most (if not all) of the dating web sites have a place to report abuse…use it. If you do deside to meet this person, here are a few ideas for men and women to consider:
1. Arrange to meet in a very public place at a time YOU are comfortable with.
2. Drive yourself. This puts YOU in control of when you leave, and if this person has the personality of a squid, you can leave sooner better than later.
3. Tell a friend or family member of your date plans, when and where you are going to meet, and ask this person to call you about a half hour to an hour in to the date. Naturally this is for safety reasons, but if the squid factor comes in to play you have an excuse to say, “Good-bye“.
4. Gentlemen, do not leave your credit card laying on the table if you should take a “lady” out to dinner. A identity thief only needs a small amount of information to make your life miserable…think of what they could do with your credit card!
5. Consider having a “pre-date_ background check done before the date to make sure this person is not a criminal or sexual offender and to learn if they are really who they say they are (are they really a doctor or attorney).
6. It goes with out saying, don’t get in to a vehicle with this person or go to him house (or vice versa) until you really know him (or her) or have a ‘pre-date‘background check done.

Yes, this is truly a Golden age for dating, and now that you have a few dating safety tips you can be Fabulously 40 an love it.