Making new friends is an exciting part of life, whether you’re starting at a new job, moving to a new city, or simply expanding your social circle. But, just as you would be cautious about who you let into your professional or living space, it’s natural to want to be sure that the people you bring into your personal life are trustworthy. One way some people approach this is by running a background check on their new friends. While this might seem a bit extreme to some, it can offer peace of mind and help avoid potential risks. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of running a background check on your new friends so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
The Pros of Running a Background Check on Your New Friends
- Safety First
Your personal safety should always be a top priority, especially when meeting someone new. A background check can provide essential information about someone’s past, including any criminal history, which could alert you to potential dangers. If your new friend has a history of violence, fraud, or other serious offences, a background check can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to continue developing the friendship. It’s better to be cautious than to overlook red flags. You can arrange one at www.nationalprivateinvestigators.co.uk.
- Peace of Mind
Friendships should bring joy and positivity into your life, not stress or worry. By running a background check, you can remove any doubts about your new friend’s character. Knowing they have a clean record or that they’ve been upfront about their past can give you the peace of mind you need to build a stronger, more trusting relationship. It removes the need to constantly second-guess yourself about their intentions or actions.
- Avoiding Financial Risks
Sometimes, friendships can involve financial exchanges—whether it’s sharing a taxi, going on a group holiday, or lending money. A background check can give you a better idea of how financially responsible someone is. If they have a history of financial problems, like bankruptcy or a poor credit history, it might give you pause before engaging in any financial arrangements. After all, you don’t want to be caught up in a situation where money becomes a point of contention.
The Cons of Running a Background Check on Your New Friends
- It Can Be Invasive
Running a background check on someone without their knowledge can feel invasive. Friendships are based on mutual trust and respect, and running a check might be seen as a lack of faith in their integrity. It could create tension or even cause the potential friend to feel uncomfortable or betrayed if they discover you’ve checked up on them. You may also risk damaging the relationship before it has even had a chance to flourish.
- It Might Be Unnecessary
In many cases, running a background check might not be necessary, especially if your instincts and interactions with the person are positive. If you’re getting along well and they’re being open with you about their life, there may be no reason to take such an extreme measure. Relying too heavily on background checks could cause you to miss out on genuine, trusting friendships simply because of preconceived assumptions or unnecessary fears.
- Overlooking Personal Growth
Everyone has a past, and not everyone’s past is spotless. Running a background check might cause you to judge someone harshly for things they’ve done years ago, even if they’ve changed and grown as a person since then. People make mistakes, but they also have the ability to learn from them and become better individuals. By focusing too much on past transgressions, you might miss out on meeting someone who is now trustworthy, kind, and valuable to your life.
Why Background Checks are Important for Online Dating
Nowadays, it’s not easy to meet new people in person. If you’re trying to find a partner, dating apps are the first place you go. There are many you can get on your phone and that can connect you with others in your area. Most involve looking through photos, prompts and reading biographies.
However, you have to face the reality that you don’t really know who you’re talking to. Dating apps can seem great in theory, but there are some horror stories. Let’s take a look at why background checks are crucial for successful online dating.
Ensure They Are Single
It can be an unpleasant situation to date someone who’s married. Not only can they lie to you, and you find out later on, but it can also mean that you can never be with them exclusively. When you get a background check on them, there can be investigations into whether they’re already married or in a relationship. You can avoid getting yourself into a tricky situation and gain peace of mind.
Confirm the Person
Have you ever been catfished before? This is when a person creates a fake profile and pretends to be someone else. You don’t want to get in this situation and a background check makes sure it doesn’t happen. You can confirm that the name matches up with the images and other information they tell you is correct.
Check their Criminal Record
The last thing you want is to put yourself in danger. This can happen if you don’t know the person you’re meeting. For example, they could have a violent history with their ex-partner. A background check means that you can know their criminal record and make sure they’re a safe person to meet. You can never be too careful.