1. Privacy

Use only the messaging system at SimpleCupid - it's safe, as it doesn't give out any of your personal details.

Don't put personal details in your profile, or in any of your messages (your phone number, your real email address, your address, where you work etc).

2. Setting up a date

If you, with time, learn more about someone and choose to set up a date, you may need to share some contact information with them. We advise using a free email account like Hotmail or Yahoo if you have to email outside of this site, or to telephone using a mobile phone number that you can easily change (don't forget if you telephone someone you can block your number from appearing in their Caller ID)

Go with your feelings; be careful, and do not continue correspondence if you suspect someone is:

- Being dishonest with you
- Trying to pressurise you into a date, or find out your personal info.
- Ignoring your questions.
- Inconsistent with their information (look back through your correspondence with them to check).

We, at SimpleCupid, aim to deliver a great website to our users. Please let us know about any issues or questions that you may have. Any reported user will be questioned and, if necessary, blocked from our system.

3. The date

Here are a few general tips for meeting someone for the first time:

- We recommend trying to organise a double date so that you can both bring someone along, or even better going out with a group of joint friends.
- Don't forget your date is still a stranger to you. Make sure you meet in a public place that you know. If you don't already know it, go to the place in advance so that you can be sure it will be busy with general public, and you won't end up on your own. Don't be shy about ringing the venue to ask about how busy they will be, and if there's a table/bar you can book that's well in view.
- Do not arrange to be picked up or taken home (remember your personal details need to stay that way!), so make your own travel arrangements.
- Tell a trusted friend about your date: pass them the information you have about the person you are meeting, and ask them to be available in case you need some support. Tell them where you are going, how long you expect to be, call them during the date and when you have arrived back home alone safely.
- Take it slowly. It take's time to get to know someone - anyone worth dating will understand that you need to stay safe, and go slow.
- Anytime you go out fakes and weirdos can be in the pub/bar or restaurant you are in. Meeting someone from SimpleCupid is no different, however you will have had an opportunity to chat with that person and to be in control of your own safety.
- Always use your common sense and go with your feelings, don't worry about seeming overly cautious, anyone worth dating will understand.
- Similarly, always keep an eye on your own drink.
- Always stay in control - don't worry about being polite if you are asked to do something you don't want to do - say no and be forceful with your statement.
- Remember: always tell us if you have met someone who seems to be dishonest, or someone who made you feel uncomfortable. Click here to report abuse.
- And lastly - if you've had a few dates… use a condom!

4. Your photos

Without a photo, your profile will not be as noticeable as those with a photo (in fact some people don't even consider profiles that have no photo). Just a head and shoulders shot of you, with a smile, will get you far. Don't panic about your photo - no one likes a photo of themselves!

Take advantage of SimpleCupid's tools, and create your own photo albums, label them, and show your friends how cool you are. It will for sure make a diference!

5. Be pro-active

Don't just sit back and wait to get a message - get out there and start talking! Everyone's in the same boat at SimpleCupid - the people who are more pro-active are more likely to find some great potential dates.

6. Be patient

Don't make a date after your first few messages with someone. Make sure you have answered all the questions you would want to know about someone first. Keep checking back to their profile to see if their correspondence matches the description that you read about them (for example 'she's hysterically funny' girl may not have been amusing to you at all, or 'single no kids man' might mention half term holiday access!).

7. Be honest

Be honest in your correspondence - you'll get found out sooner or later if you aren't. Go with your feelings, if you aren't sure - don't respond to a message - no one will be offended. If you write to people in the same manner you would to your existing friends, then someone will get a good idea of the sort of person you are.

8. Give us your feedback

It's really important to us and to you that this site is a safe place, for honest people. If you think someone is abusing the system let us know - we'll look into it (the user won't know you have highlighted them). No harm can be done in letting us know, so we can look out for any possible rogues on your behalf. Click here to report abuse.