Purely internet

[Scarlett]

Have you ever struck up a friendship with someone on the internet /through texting etc but not met them in the flesh? I have this with a friend I haven't seen for 10 years (male) but am enjoying it so much that I am reluctant to make it real and meet, in case it spoils what we now have!! Have you ever had this, or similar?!

[China Doll]

I'm quite friendly with a couple of people on this site via emails/texting/calls who I haven't met up with. I've no qualms about meeting them in person so to speak, it's generally just distance that makes it tricky but if we were in each others orbit then I would anticipate that a coffee or vino would be in order. Much the same as if I was going to see relatives in another part of the country and had a friend in the same area.

That said, I don't have any romantic inclinations towards anyone, do you think that's what could be putting you off? Have you built an image up in to your head that you're worried they won't live up to?

[terambulan]

yes.... & disappointed - then how do you shake them off, kindly?

[Scarlett]

China - haha yes but I am worried that I will be the one not up to scratch, not him! 10 years is a long time!

[China Doll]

I thought it might be a romantic thing rather than a 'just friends' thing. No reason to worry if it's just friendship.

I guess in the romantic sense then all you have to remember is that whatever image you've build up then it's highly unlikely either of you will live up to because personal flaws (physical, imaginary or emotional) are very easy to hide on the internet (as are irritating habits) so I'd suggest you treat it as almost as meeting for the first time. Knowing a lot about someone (even personal details) is not the same as actually knowing a person.