Tips for getting social offline

The first meeting with an online friend can be intimidating. Social media butterflies offer a few tips for getting acquainted:

Meet in public. Even if Twitter friends don't feel like strangers, they are. Safety first.

Groups are good. Staring each other down over dinner can trigger bad-date flashbacks. A small crew can keep conversation rolling.

Be open-minded. Mr. Funny online might be Mr. Serious offline. Roll with it and focus on what you have in common.

Ask questions. Go ahead and ask about things you think you know from social media. You are trying to get to know somebody, right?

Mind the time. Have an hour for coffee? Stick to it. If you're bored silly? Hello, escape hatch. If you hit it off, set up another outing.

Katie Humphrey