Online dating at Canoodle

At Canoodle, we take all the steps we can to ensure your time with us is as enjoyable and as safe as possible. If you've decided to take the plunge and try online dating, here are your top 10 tips for keeping it safe. Whether you decide to correspond online or meet members offline, please use sound judgment and be responsible for your conduct. In both the virtual and real worlds, common sense is your best defence.

1. Start slowly

Watch out for anyone who seems too good to be true. Begin by communicating solely via canoodle.me.uk, and look for odd behaviour or inconsistencies. The person at the other end may not be who or what he or she says they are. Trust your instincts. If anything makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety and protection.

2. Guard your anonymity

Careful, thoughtful decisions generally produce better results. Take all the time you need to convince yourself that they are a trustworthy person and pay careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he or she probably is, so act accordingly. Be responsible about romance, and don't fall in love at the click of a mouse. Don't become prematurely intimate with someone, even if only online. If you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect yourself.

3. Use caution and common sense

Careful, thoughtful decisions generally produce better results. Take all the time you need to convince yourself that they are a trustworthy person and pay careful attention along the way. If you suspect someone is lying, he or she probably is, so act accordingly. Be responsible about romance, and don't fall in love at the click of a mouse. Don't become prematurely intimate with someone, even if only online. If you mutually decide to cross the point of no return, be smart and protect yourself.

4. Ask for a photo

A photo will give you a good idea of the person's appearance, which can be helpful in forming a "gut feeling". If possible, try to see several images of someone in various settings - casual, formal, indoor and outdoors etc. If all you hear are excuses about why you can't see a photo, consider that he or she has something to hide.

5. Chat on the phone

A phone call can reveal a lot about a person's communication and social skills. Consider your security and don't reveal your personal phone number to a stranger. Try a mobile phone number instead or use 141 to prevent your phone number from being transmitted. Only give out your phone number when you feel completely comfortable..

6. Meet when you’re ready

The beauty of meeting and getting to know each other online is that you can collect information gradually, later choosing whether to pursue the relationship in the offline world. You are never obliged to meet anyone, regardless of your level of online intimacy. And even if you do decide to meet, you can always change your mind. It's possible that your decision to keep the relationship at the anonymous level is based on a hunch that you can't logically explain. Trust yourself and go with your instincts..

7. Watch for warning signs

Pay attention to displays of anger, intense frustration or attempts to pressure or control you. Acting in a passive-aggressive manner, making demeaning or disrespectful comments or any physically inappropriate behaviour are all warning signs. You should be concerned if your date exhibits any of the following behaviour without an acceptable explanation:

• Gives inconsistent information about age, interests, appearance, marital status, profession, employment, etc.


• Refuses to speak to you on the phone after establishing ongoing, online intimacy or fails to give direct answers to direct questions.


• Appears significantly different in person from his or her online persona or never introduces you to friends, colleagues or family members.

8. Meet somewhere safe

When you choose to meet offline, always tell a friend where you are going and when you will return. Leave your date's name and telephone number with your friend. Never arrange for your date to pick you up at home. Provide your own transportation, meet in a public place at a time when there will be plenty of people around, and when the date is over, leave on your own. A familiar restaurant or café, at a time when a lot of other people will be present, is often a good choice. If you decide to move to another location, take your own car. When the timing is appropriate, thank your date for getting together and say goodbye.

9. Use extra caution in new places

If you are arriving from another part of the country, arrange your own transport and hotel room and don't disclose the name of your hotel. Call your date from the hotel or meet at an agreed location. If the location seems inappropriate or unsafe, go back to your hotel. Try to contact your date at that location or leave a message on their answerphone. Always make sure a friend or family member knows your plans and has your contact information. And if possible, carry a mobile phone at all times.

10. Have a ‘follow-on’ plan

Never do anything you feel unsure about. If you are in any way afraid of your date, use your best judgment to diffuse the situation and leave as quickly as possible. Excuse yourself long enough to call a friend for advice, ask someone else at the scene for help or slip out the back door and drive away. If you feel you're in danger, call the police; it's always better to be safe than sorry. Never worry or feel embarrassed about your behaviour; your safety is much more important than one person's opinion of you. All common sense really, but we hope these tips give you some guidance for enjoying safe dating!