If you're lucky enough to have met a friend or potential partner online, you may be considering meeting up in person. While getting to know each other through the internet is a great way to ensure you have similar interests and are compatible, there will come a time when you want to meet face to face.

This is the ultimate test of your new relationship, as you'll be able to see if things are as easy in person as they are online. No matter how long you've been chatting, this step can be incredibly nerve-wracking, but it is worth taking.

Here are some things to remember when meeting in person to ensure the best experience:

Be safe

The first thing to remember is that you need to be safe. You need to take precautions when meeting in person in order to ensure your safety.

Even if you've been chatting to someone for a while, you need to meet somewhere public where there are people around – such as a coffee shop or museum. You should also let someone know where you are going and keep your phone with you.

It is better to be safe than sorry, so even if you feel silly doing these things, they are a good idea.

Make clear plans

You may have seen each other's photos, but it can still be hard to pick someone out of a crowd. Pick a specific place to meet and get there in good time so it is easy to spot each other.

Saying you'll meet at the cafe in town may not be clear, especially if there are several coffee shops. Ensure you each know what the address is and if the location is quite large, give specific details as to where you will be, such as next to the main entrance.

This will make sure you don't miss each other and will save you both wandering around trying to spot one another.

Choose a low-pressure activity

It is stressful enough meeting in person the first time, so you don't want to choose a date that is going to add to the pressure. This means avoiding things like sports or anything too out there. 

Keeping the date easy going, as you can always decide to do something else once you've settled into being together without a computer between you. Coffee, a meal, a walk or a film are all great option and will allow you to relax and enjoy yourselves.

Take it easy

Yes, you may have been talking online for months and feel like you know each other really well, but you still shouldn't jump in too quickly. Being together in person is very different to chatting online, so work your way up to romantic gestures, holding hands and even a kiss.

Being too eager can make the person you're meeting even more nervous and could harpoon the relationship before it has really begun. Take things slow and easy and things are sure to become completely comfortable in no time at all.