This has happened to almost every woman who has ever tried to meet guys online: you hear from a good looking and seemingly nice man, you meet him a few times and then you find out that he is married. Even if it didn't get anywhere close to having your heart broken, who wants to waste your time with a sleazy cheater?
If you want to know for sure whether a guy is married BEFORE your first date, the only way that is 99% accurate is performing a background check. Not every background check includes marital status, so pay attention to that while ordering. Also, there are a few dedicated services that provide instant access to marital records nationwide. Some of them are very accurate.
Unfortunately, this method is not free and requires some research. If you are a truly busy person and have some extra cash in your pocket, this method is for you. However, there are a few RED FLAGS that should serve as important indicators that the guy you about to meet for the first time could be married. Use these to prepare accordingly, so you can ask the right questions during your first date. This way you will weed out liars and cheaters early on without getting yourself into sticky situations in the future.
Red Flag # ONE
He has no Facebook account (or Twitter, or any other kind of presence in social networking websites).
These days when my mom AND my grandmother are on Facebook, a datable guy without a Facebook account must raise your eyebrows. (Exception: he is in IT business. These people are obsessed with privacy and security; a lot of them have little to no virtual footprint.)
Red Flag # TWO
He chooses not to display his relationship status on his Facebook account.
Most men who are looking to meet women would proudly tout their "single" status. Most married men would say so in their relationship status field, just like most of those who are in committed relationships. Having no relationship status displayed can mean only three things: a) your future date is in IT field (see the Red Flag # ONE; b) he is not interested in meeting women/ready for serious relationship; c) he is MARRIED and this is his only choice to keep his little secret from coming out, as he cannot choose to be "single."
Red Flag # THREE
He won't tell you the neighborhood he lives in and won't agree to meet you there.
This usually means one thing: He is too afraid you might run into his wife (and/or kids) while having a lunch or dinner with him.
If at least two of these red flags pop up, you better be prepared to ask questions during your first date. Unless he gives you clear and acceptable explanations, you could be almost certain that this guy has something MAJOR to hide.
This article is brought to you by Dating Advice Blog.