[Chameleon24]

This weekend I'm planning on meeting up with a guy who I've met on an internet dating site. We've been talking a lot and finding out about each other. The thing is... there is some distance between us. I live in Ohio and he lives in West Virginia. We decided to meet at an amusement park about an hour from where I live to hang out for the day. At first I was feeling good about it, but everyone I talk to around me are starting to make me nervous. I'm trying not to be stupid about this and I'm looking at all the angles that will make this situation okay to get myself into.
First off, I'm familiar with the area. My sister lives about 5 minutes away from the park, so I know people in the area too. The place will be packed with people (it's Cedar Point, which is one of the most popular amusement parks in the country)... a nice family atmosphere. I'm meeting him there... it's not like he's picking me up anywhere. I have a good time talking with him... he's never said anything odd that rubbed me the wrong way. He has a pretty in-depth profile on the site we met on, complete with photos also. And he's my age (which is 21).
Now, I know there's always going to be a bunch of "what if's", but you can throw those into any dating scenario. That's just the world we live in now. And I know a lot of really crazy stuff happens out there in our world and women have to be careful. I guess my question to you all is... is this a bad idea? Is there a better way of going around this?

Now, people are telling me it would be a good idea if it were a group of people going. Maybe if I brought a friend or 2. I agree that this is a smart way of doing it. Problem is... I can't really find anyone who'll be able to! I was feeling good about this at first and I was excited about it, but then today I was talking to my sister on the phone and she was telling me that it seems stupid and dangerous for me to go there without bringing anyone else with me. So now the situation is starting to bother me.

Any thoughts?

[J_9]

Meeting in a public place is a great idea. However, it is better to meet with a group of friends and then split up if things seem to be going well.

How long have you "known" him?

[Chameleon24]

We've been talking daily for about a month

[J_9]

It's too soon then. A month is not enough time to get to know someone online.

[talaniman]

A month and this is the first meeting? Have a back up plan for your own safety. Keep in touch with your sister often, and have it set up where she always knows where you are.

[appleguy87]

Try bringing a friend or two along with you, and maybe suggest the same to this guy? That way if things get bad at least you are not by yourself. However, if things are turning our well, you might be able to go with him alone and get to know him more. Also, it might set your friends up too if all works out!

[plonak]

Invite your sister!

[erin7799]

I am not ashamed to say that I've met some amazing people online! I think I was on a great site, too. Or maybe I just got lucky. I chose the internet because I am from a small town with not a lot of fish... I went online and met people from other cities and I still to this day communicate with some. I had never had a bad experience online yet I have heard horror stories! Just be careful. Choose wisely! And yes, you should probably take a friend. I have always made them come to me, though. Then I am in MY environment. Good Luck!

[hannah_nicole]

I do not think one month is too soon. I met my current boyfriend online after a month & we've been together a year now. No-one can really judge if your ready to meet yet except you.

I met in a hotel room in my hometown & my parents dropped me off. Darryl wanted me to feel comfortable & know I could leave & get home if I wanted to. He wouldn't have met me if my parents weren't OK with it either. Just make sure there are safe options if you want to leave at any point 4 any reason & I do advise to bring someone along.