Have you ever met someone and wanted to see him again? Or talk to her again? When you first meet someone and are interested in connecting with her again, how and where do you try to contact her? How and where would you like him to contact you?

Contact information etiquette is essential if you date once in a while or are actively dating to find your ideal mate.

Consider these things:

• Do you want someone you just met to have your home phone number? Office phone number? Cell phone number?
• Do you have an alternate voice mail number you give out to men or women you meet and start dating?
• Is it okay with you to receive calls at all hours of the day and night?
• Is it okay with you to receive e-mails at your place of business?
• Do you have an alternate mailbox or e-mail address for personal/social contacts?
• Do you have any concerns inviting someone you just met into your home? Home neighborhood? Office? Office neighborhood?
• Are you welcoming of someone you just met or are getting to know dropping in on you at home? In the office? Calling you anytime the mood strikes?

Think about these things carefully. Talk to your friends and family members about the whole area of contact information etiquette. Are there any behaviors that you want to add to my list for yourself?

Decide what is comfortable or preferable for you. Set the boundaries that match for you and honor your beliefs and values. Don't worry about how the other person is going to view this. You are the important person in your picture. There are no right or wrong choices. There are just your choices that affirm and honor you!

I am going to offer one word of caution. When setting up the first 5 to 8 meetings, make every conceivable effort to avoid inviting strangers into your home, home neighborhood and into your office. And yes, men and women you meet and start dating are strangers! Please be clear about this. It doesn't matter who you think they are or who you want them to be. Until you have personal experience with people over time, they are strangers.

Invite them for coffee or lunch or a stroll through an art gallery or museum. Meet them in the coffee house, restaurant or art gallery. Invite a friend to join you and this "new" special person. Park your car down the street, not in the restaurant parking lot. Say goodbye in front of the art gallery. This used to be good advice for women. Today, it is just plain good advice!

Be savvy and be safe. Help people understand what you expect and how to treat you. Take a deep breath, connect to what you know and go for it!

Only you can make it happen!

©2003

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