You seem intelligent from the posts I have read from you.

There is bound to be some apprehension over messaging a stranger on a dating site.
Too many horror stories to ignore.

Many people have anxiety when introducing themselves in real life.
With all the concerns added to that inherent danger, the online dating experience will only be worse.

If you obey the known safeguards, you should find the anxiety wanes the more you do it.
However, there will be (and should be) valid concerns for your safety.

Online dating is merely a tool to allow you to find someone in real life.
Even after you have overcome the anxiety of contacting a stranger online there will always be some anxiety when actually meeting someone face to face (the goal of the tool).

There is no reason why should have to go off-site to have a conversation with someone.
The messaging system works good for its purpose.

There are some tricks you can use as you learn the system.
When I contacted my current GF, here (via M2), I asked her things only a resident would know.
For instance, I mentioned the "Rock Pile".
On maps, the "Rock Pile' is known as The Washington Street Pier.
Only the locals call it the "Rock Pile"
When she knew to what I was referring to, it told me she is actually in my town.
I also mentioned Froogles, a small grocery in town. I frequent that store and I know its layout by heart. She also knew the store and was aware of how the aisles are laid out.
When we exchanged phone numbers (here, in the messaging system) we talked about our town and she verified me from my 'common knowledge'.

People have anxiety for many reasons.
Having anxiety about meeting a stranger is common.
But its actually nothing to worry about.
Anxieties will pass. Just try not to ease your personal safety.

Welcome to the M2 Forums.

Choose Wisely

Interacting with different strangers can be difficult.
Delusions, assumptions and expectations get in the way a lot.
You stated you are fairly well versed in forum interaction.
I assure you, dating site forums are a new breed of animal in comparison.
There is a vastly, wide range of personalities you will encounter unlike the commonality of specific forums.

However, you can learn a lot about the human condition thru these types of forums. Consider tho, it is often raw and unfiltered.
Our mods try to maintain an fairness and work hard to keep it civil.

There are a lot of wise people here offering a wide range of experiences which you can use to gain your personal goal. It just depends on how you read into it and how you can apply it to your own experiences.

There's also a sense of light-hardheartedness in some people. Humor is subjective but sometimes there is the individual who gets it.
Many people are hurt or angry. You can tell. However, sometimes they express themselves in such a way a lesson can be learned.
Its all in how you take it.

I encourage you to read back in the forums to get a better handle on the attitudes and board personalities.
There will be some you identify with and some you will fail to understand but that is true in the real world too.

I'm not looking for someone, there are many who are not.
Enjoy the forums and the discussions and let the dating aspect evolve as it does.
Nice to meet you!

church girl, the time stamps you see will all be what ever you have set. they do not vary based on the sender

What is a P I T A person. I am not to good at any of this.

I joined last October but did not officially become a member until this month. Then came the struggles with the settings and learning to screen and block was a skill I quickly adhered too. Although I am far from ready to even consider dating, I did message a fellow, if it is not a fake profile, to thank him for liking my profile. If it is not a fake profile I am still safe in my bubble of protection as the person lives a continent away..... Does anyone else here have anxiety messaging strangers? I contributed freely to research forums and a bit on social media and I never felt anxiety about it.... I have no issues posting on your community forum, maybe just not accustomed to messaging unknown people? Anyhow this was an extremely awkward thing for me to do. I must have developed social anxiety over the years..... Has anyone on this forum been nervous to message another person?