Here’s Why South Carolina is So Dangerous for Online Dating

Online dating is one of the main ways people meet each other, but you have to take some common sense precautions. As it turns out, South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for online dating. So, even though you might think the worst thing to come out of meeting up with someone you met through an online dating service is not having sparks fly, then think again. But, the good news is that by being aware of the dangers, you can be proactive and stay safe when you're looking for that special someone online.

The experts at PrivacyJournal.net have put together a study with the most dangerous states for online dating, based on a variety of factors. "Unlucky online lovers have reported romance scams and fraud, matches with registered sex offenders, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and even violent crime," they state. "We used reports of those dangers to crunch the numbers and determine the safest and riskiest U.S. states for online dating." As for methodology, their researchers used statistics regarding what could lead to a dangerous online date per 100,000 residents of each state. They also looked at the outcomes by their "relative importance" and used all of that information to create an an absolute rating.

If you're curious, Vermont, according to the study, is the safest state in the U.S. for online dating. It scored the second-lowest rate of reported identity theft and lowest rate of STDs. It's also towards the bottom of the pack when it comes to violent crime and fraud. Another safe state for dating is Maine, which falls just behind Vermont on the tally. New Hampshire, Kentucky and Idaho round out the top five safest states in America for online dating. The most dangerous state in America for online dating is Nevada. It's No. 2 in the country for romance scam reports per 100,000 residents. It's also No. 3 for reports of fraud and No. 4 for reports of identity theft. A few other tidbits include Mississippi ranks No. 1 for sexually transmitted diseases, but the state also has the lowest rate of romance scam reports.

So, where does South Carolina rank when it comes to being a dangerous state for online dating? It's the 45th safest state in the U.S. for online love, which is not good. What's the reason why South Carolina is so dangerous for finding love online? It's a combination of factors, but one is that South Carolina has a reported 396 registered sex offenders per 100,000 residents, putting it on the higher scale of that category compared to other states. South Carolina is also higher than most states for STD, with 1,062 STD reports per 100,000 residents. In comparison, Vermont only has 166 STD reports per the same number of residents. The state also has 334 cases of fraud per 100,000 residents, which is a bit higher than most states. So, I'm not saying to give up on online dating, but just be safe.

Dating is nothing like it was a few decades ago. Heck, dating isn't anything like it was even just a few years ago, with all the different dating apps and online ways to find love. But, one thing hasn't changed: People still want to be appealing. They want to put their best foot forward in the dating world. So, what are some ways to be more attractive and appealing when you're on a date?

Actually, this list works even if you're not looking to date or are already are in a long-term relationship. Why not be as attractive as possible just for yourself? I'm not just talking about the physical, either. There's so much more to being an appealing person than looks alone. Dictionary.com has some definitions of attractive that show the broadness of this term. They say the word means "providing pleasure or delight, especially in appearance or manner" and add that words such as "pleasing, charming and alluring" all apply. They also use the word in the context of having "an attractive personality" or "arousing interest or engaging one's thought" and "consideration."

Of course, not all definitions are so broad. Some do come down to appearance and vanity. Vocabulary.com defines it as, "Anybody or anything that's attractive is visually pleasing or draws you in." They add that it also has to deal with attracting others, of course, and that, "for people, being attractive usually means you're beautiful or handsome enough to pull in the attention of others."

That said, in this list, I'm really focusing on ways to be an all-around attractive person. This is largely not a list about how to be physically prettier or more handsome. Sure, some of these tips are physical. But, for the most part, these are ways to be instantly attractive in the dating game and a more appealing person overall.

This one might seem odd. If you're trying to attract someone, why would you try to focus on them? But, it works. People like to feeling like the person their with is actually interested in them. It helps you actually be an attractive person if it isn't always about you and if you focus on your partner, date or friend.

Sure, you want to look good on your date. But, if you're wearing heels that are too high or pants that look cool but just don't fit, you might be uncomfortable, and that will make the other person uncomfortable. "The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. If you are not comfortable, it will show in your body language and your date will be able to tell," says Houseofcoco.net.

Everyone always talks about confidence being attractive, and they're not wrong. Being confident in yourself is a very attractive quality. You don't need to be an egomaniac or anything, though. No bragging fests on a first date. Just, be confident in who you are and in the spectacular, rock star of a person that God created you to be.

This goes along with confidence. Just be you, because nobody else can be you. "As cheesy as it sounds, the most important thing you can do on a date is to look and act like your authentic self," notes Southerntide.com.

This is a tricky one. I'm not a big fan of perfume. But, it's good to smell nice on a date. That said, do not - I repeat, to not - overdue it. There's really no bigger turnoff than someone who smells like they just took a dive into a pool of really strong perfume or cologne. Less is more.

Show off those pearly whites! Something as simple as smiling can make you instantly appear attractive, because it implies that you're happy on both the outside and inside. No RBF, please. Smiling is contiguous, too, in the best possible way.

Your mom was right when she told you to sit up straight. "Slouching makes you look unconfident and bored, neither of which are attractive qualities," notes Houseofcoco.net. "Sit up straight and make sure your shoulders are back. It will make you look more confident and alert, two qualities that are sure to impress your date."

Dating and socializing is supposed to be fun. Humans were meant to be together in a community, and that's a good thing. So, just have fun on your date. Be playful. Laugh. Flirt. Wink. Okay, maybe don't wink. That's creepy. But, you can send a wink emoji. Simply have fun.