Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1417739
Looking for love in all the app places like someone who: n Comes on too strong, too fast, and overpromises "will most certainly underdeliver." n Only texts and never calls. n Doesn't make plans or doesn't keep them. n Asks for money. n Tells you "a sob story about his ill mother, family member, or even his own health." n Asks for your personal information (that's too private to share at the time). n Refuses to meet virtually via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. n Can't prove he lives where he says he lives. n Ghosts you or shows inconsistency in communication. Jason Lee, another dating coach, tells older singles to always mind three things when it comes to online dating sites: "Number one, trust your intuition. Number two, protect your personal infor- mation. And number three, when in doubt, ask for help." Another safety measure: a first-time in-person meeting should be pretty short and in a public place, like a restaurant for coffee or dessert. Before meeting in person, especially if significant travel is involved, some people ask for personal references and offer to give theirs to confirm they have valued qualities before meeting in person. The idea is to be sensible without going too far overboard on caution. You don't want to look like a deer frightened by headlights. As I state in my new book, "Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love": "We want to feel optimistic, not expect the worst. So it makes sense to prepare for a successful dating experience with someone you meet online. Many women say they'll check out someone by seeing how he presents himself on social media sites. They also gain informal referenc- es while dating by meeting his friends and family members." Remember: Finding the right person is a journey, whether online or in a different way. It can take time, and it's worth it! With patience, perseverance, and a spirit of adventure, you can look forward to some good times and a happy result. n Marcia Naomi Berger, MSW, LCSW, is the author of "Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love" and bestseller "Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relation- ship You've Always Wanted." A licensed clinical social worker with a private psycho- therapy practice in San Rafael, she leads Marry with Confidence workshops for singles and Marriage Meeting workshops for couples. mnaomiberger@gmail.com, marriagemeetings.com Call 415-456-9062 | Click vivalon.org | Come by 930 Tamalpais Ave, San Rafael All Guests Must be Fully Vaccinated. FORMERLY KNOWN AS WHISTLESTOP MARIN'S HUB FOR HEALTHY AGING Join us for in person or online classes and the best lunch deal in town! We can't wait to see you! 20 October 17, 2021 Senior Style A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com