Among Friends

[TeezNu]

On the other hand, there are a lot of "catfish" stories, where one party does NOT want to ever meet the other in person, because they are not who they claim to be.

There is lots of great, smart advice in this thread.

[Still Raining]

Sure, why not?  You can always walk away.

[Laura14]

I'm kind of with @TeezNu.  How does she even know it's a guy and she has his real name?  I personally would never not without someone I know and trust actually knowing this person.  

[KingstonsMom]

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@Still Raining wrote:

Sure, why not?  You can always walk away.

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Not necessarily.....

[Sooner]

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@Still Raining wrote:

Sure, why not?  You can always walk away.

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And be followed. . . 

[MacDUFF]

I would be cautious in the extreme...

[chickenbutt]

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@MacDUFF wrote:

I would be cautious in the extreme...

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Oh no!    LMAO - I had to snag this one for a friend of mine who has a Husky and loves them so much.   She will love this.  Thanks!!

[Sooner]

If I for some reason felt comfortable meeting strangers, it would be at a public gathering place where I knew there were security cameras and where people were there for an event--not just a one-on-one like a cafe setting.  AND I would only go with more than one friend--and preferably some males.  Let others pick up on what kind of person he is and how he reacts to YOUR FRIENDS.  Wouldn't that tell  you a lot maybe?

I'l thinking like going for ice cream in the summer, going to a well-populated restaurant that is casual and family friendly, etc.  I'd want to see that person in a setting where someone up to no good might be uncomfortable being seen.  I also would take a couple of people with me, to see how comfortable that person was with others.  Maybe in a bookstore or even a library.  

Alone for a drink?  Nah.  That lets the stranger have too much control and set the agenda to their needs.  Also bars have a certain "vibe" sometimes.  

What do I know. . . but I thought I'd share my thoughts.  

[Sooner]

Another idea, see if the local police fraternity is doing a fund-riaser and meet them there!  LOL!!!

Tell them your friend is an off-duty cop and wants to come along so you'll feel better about meeting a stranger.  See how that plays. . . LOL!

Take them to confession. . . 

Any other bright ideas?????  

[Moonchilde]

Meet for M/F possible relationship type thing? NO, never.  E-Bay, Craigslist, Uber and FB are all sites or apps/situations that have been used to commit crimes ranging from robbery to rape to murder or a combination thereof.

I have met female FB and discussion group forum members for lunch, coffee, etc. a couple of times, but men no.