First of all....this question is not for myself.

A friend of mine recently decided to try internet dating. But, she is very nervous about giving out her phone number when it comes time to talk on the phone because of what happened to me last year. I ended up having to change my phone number after giving it to someone. I think this is not that big of a deal considering I have been meeting both men and women online since 2008. One annoying person in 4 and a half years. No biggie.

So, have you ever had a problem after giving out your number and how long do you usually wait to give it out?

I don't have a problem giving my number out rather quickly. I've also had to change my number before, at least a couple of times. It's worth the risk. I'm a risk taker though.

No one has bothered asking..except one, back in '08. To answer the question, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Make that two, sorry..

I typically don't give mine out readily.. security issues.. one's gotta cover one's proverbial buttocks ya know

I usually email a bunch with the person first to better get to know them.. then after several really good exchanges.. I suggest the next step (talkin on the phone) I usually ask for the guy's number and best times to call (don't wanna be disturbin someone when they're eatin, during father/kid time, or busy with work)

as to how long one should wait? I'd suggest going by her gut feeling but NOT give out any real personal details.. although men are targeted as well.. women (in my opinion) are at a greater risk of peril as some perceive us to be the 'weaker' sex.. (it's a perception, although not always a fact)

I've been lucky enough thus far as I've not let anyone that 'odd' or 'off' get close enough to be a problem..(and I've been at it awhile ) guess I just got a pretty good gut gauge however, I've still met many people and grown closer to several over the net.. I can only suggest she hone her perception skills to be able to read enough between the lines before moving forward

I normally would only give my cell number and not my home phone number.

Yeah, I am too. Probably not as much as you, but I'm comfortable with taking a chance with new people. I mean, I'm not giving them my social security number or my home address....it's just a phone number.

Same here but he doesn't get that until a few more conversations thru my email.

If the person seems interesting enough, I'll give them my phone number quickly. For example, even if I hadn't really chatted with them, but I had seen them in the forums and they seemed cool, I'd give them my number if they asked.

If they send me one email asking for my number and haven't bothered trying to chat about anything at all before that? Nah, I'll pass.

Im very cautious, I have to be comfortable with the person then I will. I guess there's worst things then having to change your number.

I give out my phone number to anybody who asks.

I just never answer my phone.

Seeing as I'm the boss at work and I use my cell phone for that, I don't give out my number right away. My home phone is unlisted and will stay that way...security reasons for the kiddo.

I also make it known that I don't have an IM downloaded onto my pc....again, security reason for the kiddo.

When I'm ready to chitchat on the phone, I'll ask for his number, and the best times to call.

have only given out my number ONCE,,,a short lived and interesting telephone chat partner which turned out with no problems,,,,

with him, it just took a few conversations about his background, and a vibe that his intent was not sexual or romantic in nature,,,as well as exchange of a number that I could trace back to that person

and which I received FIRST, like Lyndy, to get a better feel for the types of conversation he was interested it,,,



I must admit, Im much better typing or in person than on telephones,, I dont care much for talking on the phone, so its rare I give the number out

I tend to be very cautious when giving out my phone number to those that are on online dating sites.

No, I never had a real problem. Once a guy called and thought he was talking to the 900 # but when he got unwelcome responses from Me, he soon quit calling. That was a few years ago.

I usually give out my cell number, when I really like the man and have been communicating really well online for at least one month. The men I meet have to travel here at least 2 hrs and more, and I am sure they don't want to be stood up, so I have to get to know them by phone real well before inperson meet.

Thanks, everyone.

Usually I will give them an IM address first and try that. Then the next step is a google voice # that forwards both calls and texts to my phone and e-mail. I wait until I am truly comfortable to give my direct because I am not changing my number because of a woman...lol.

As years go by and peoples inhibitions to say things to strangers even be harrassing seems to be steadily declineing I have become more and more reclusive about giving out my home phone number to anyone but close friends and family.

The fact that most phone numbers can be easily researched with a few mouse clicks and that opens up a flood of information from what your complete name is, address,who lives in your home, includeing satellite photos of your home ect. I am not inclined to tell that information to a stranger. Prefering to use a cell number or a Skype number that I can block from ringing at all hours of the day and night.

Since changeing your phone number is a hassle to others that you do want to hear from, includeing bussiness associates and usually has a cost involved I avoid having to do that.

Over the almost 30 years I have been on line I have only had one person that I thought was a serious threat to my saftey but that was enough to give me a wake up call because it is not always the person you would suspect that can make themselves a REAL problem stalking you and that is no joke and can take literally years and thousands of dollars in legal fees to stop. Actual followed me through several moves. And the computer sites, phone company, even the police pretty much have a hands off attitude once you give them this sometimes intrusive information.

This doesn't even address the drunk or "woe is me I am so lonesome; why are you not still my bestus friend" dingbats that are embarrassing at best and can wear you out when you have responsibilities like work, family, and your own normal life.

So when in doubt, even in the slightest way tust your instincts, and keep it on site. Normal rational people will not be offended.

well just joined am young and want some fun with a women of any age in townsville who loves to take over am new so add me up message and ill give you my number thanks xxx ;) xx

I've messed up a few times in that area but I have friends who can trace a number and I'll get them to take care of my problem then I keep that problem phone number and make sure I let them know what's happening but I've never had a problem like that once I let the guy know he's no longer welcome. It happened to me... I'd say 4x since 2001

My number is on the bathroom stall.