It's best to be vague about where you live, particularly if you live in a very small town. "Chicago area" might be preferable to naming a small suburb. Monitoring software is a great idea to install before you sign up - programs like Spector Pro record data from every IM, chat, email and other correspondence, should you ever need it for the online company's administrator or even police. If you choose to meet someone in person from an online dating site, be sure that you aren't pressured into it. Make it a public date in the daytime - brunch, afternoon coffee or lunch are good options - and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you're going, who you'll be with and when you should be expected to return. Many men and women set up a safe word to utter during a phone call, should they feel like they're in danger or simply that the date isn't going well. Take precautions before you find love online - it's there, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.