A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:I need some advice about meeting people online. I am in my late twenties and have never been in a real relationship. I have suffered with social anxiety disorder as well as bipolar disorder for all of my adult life. Once diagnosed, I began treatment and I am now feeling better than I can ever remember feeling. For the first time in my life, I actually want to meet people. I don’t know how safe it is meeting people online, I don’t know if I should explain my disorder right away or wait to see if its even worth explaining…Any advice on meeting guys for dating and anyone for just socializing in general would be greatly appreciated. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, tennisstar88 +, writes (22 August 2010):
 I would hold back on the disorder part until u get to know the guy or friend well enough and are comfortable to share ur secret. Beware not everyone is that trustworthy...For boyfriends, u can do that match.com, or theres one called fish in a pond, something like that my friend uses it and its very safe, or post a personal on yahoo, there's endless options, u can go on facebook, or myspace to meet people. Get to know them through emails, messages first till ur ready to give them ur number, so u can hear their voice make sure theyre who they say they are, then set up a date, or a hangout session. Make sure its a well lit area in public, safety first, and just tell them about urself, and vice versa, keep in mind some topics u want to discuss, once u open up and start talking sometimes it doesnt stop. Have fun, and congrats on overcoming ur disorder!
A
reader, anonymous, writes (22 August 2010): Personally, I don't just jump in and mention my disorders (major depression and PMDD) right off whether it's in person or online. If you wouldn't typically explain your disorders right off to someone you met in person, then don't.
As far as meeting people you find online, the best advice I think I can give is to just be careful. There are a lot of great people out there, but there are some weirdos, too. I met the man I'm currently in a relationship with online, so I've had some experience. I've always met new people in public places, not given them too much personal information in the beginning (like my home address and work place), and during a first meeting, I would have friends call to check on me at random times.
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