Internet dating sites have become so mainstream that odds are you've used one yourself or you know someone who has. And why not? We use the Internet for everything else. Despite the obvious pitfalls that come with the anonymity of the web, online dating is one of the most efficient and widely-used methods of finding a mate. The process, in a nutshell, goes something like this: you create your online personal ad. You weed through dozens of profiles and find one you like. You send emails, and then have several promising Instant Messenger chats. You're both interested. Now it's time to meet face to face. But before you move out of cyberspace and into the real world, get to know these six basic rules.

It's important to make a good impression, but the real reason you're there is to find someone who's right for you.

Talk isn't cheap. Before you meet, spend some time chatting on the phone first. A lot can be picked up or learned through a voice conversation. It's more spontaneous -- there isn't enough time to compose a perfect, witty response -- and you'll get a more honest assessment of the person you're interested in.

Go with your gut. If you're getting a bad feeling about the person, or a conversation leaves you uncomfortable -- maybe they were too pushy or made an off-colour remark -- don't ignore it. You're not obligated to follow through with a date, so if your instincts are telling you something's off, you can, and should, cancel.

Safety first. The guy or girl you're with is probably a perfectly nice person, but you've read enough articles and seen enough newscasts to know that there are some dangerous people out there. So exercise caution and don't give out your last name or your home phone number until you get to know the person better. When you meet, arrive -- and leave -- separately. If you don't have a car, take a cab. Arrange to meet at a public place, and tell at least one person where you're going, approximately what time you'll be home, and everything you know about your date. Don't drink (or limit yourself to one) and either have the waitress bring it to you or go to the bar yourself.

Tell at least one person where you're going, what time you'll be home, and everything you know about your date.

Pay attention. In this case, a little skepticism isn't a bad thing. Watch your date's behaviour and listen to what he or she says. Again, there are plenty of nice, decent people out there, but there are also those whose intentions aren't so innocent. The number of married people (okay, they're usually men) who set up profiles at online dating sites is high enough to necessitate the creation of services like DatingChecks.com, which does thorough background checks on potential paramours. True.com, an online dating site, screens its users to check for criminal records and marital status. There's no need to work yourself into a state of paranoia, but removing those rose-coloured glasses is necessary.

Are you interested? While it's important to make a good impression, the real reason you're there is to find someone who's right for you. Go into the situation knowing exactly what kind of person you're looking for, and what you want in terms of a relationship. Just make sure you're not being overly critical. After all, nobody's perfect. A good match doesn't mean two perfect people. It means two people who are perfect for each other.