Q: In the world of online dating, what should I find out about a person before I meet them offline for the first time?

A: When it comes to online dating, I think you need to get to know the person, but sometimes less is more. You should absolutely get to know somebody online. Share information, find out their interests, but really you also need to get on the phone with that person.

Online dating can be very scripted. You can really prepare your answers, and really romanticize things. It creates a very quick sense of intimacy. One thing I would say is that if you feel like this person has qualities that you're looking for in a mate and you seem to have a rapport with them, get on the phone and start having a conversation and see how that goes, and then potentially make your first date.

I always advise people to make their first date sort of a public environment, you're not getting picked up at home, you're not picking anybody else up at home, because in the end, when you are going through an online service, and not going through friends or family, you do need to be more careful just about your own personal safety.