Quote Originally Posted by Ozme52 View Post
Because of the sensitivity of some towards the term "real" when talking about online v. "real life" I've started using 'In The Flesh' (ITF or itf) to differentiate.

I think online can be as real and as satisfying as any ITF relationship. Before the internet, many people had very satisfying relationships as penpals or even intimate correspondants. The net is far more real because of its immediacy and quick turnaround time. Is a phone real or remote? Our modern technologies have made online so close to real, it raises the question... a question probably never asked in earlier times.

I value my online friends highly, wouldn't want to do without them. But I also make no bones about it... if you want to explore a bdsm/lifestyle relationship with me, itf has got to be a potential possibility. I need the physical contact, to hear, see, feel, taste, and smell. Otherwise, for me, an online relationship is too much like a writing exercise.
Just to mention (because of Your note), my differentiation of "Online vs Real Life" topic title wasn't to offend Anyone, or hurt Anyones feelings. The topic title was Chosen per the questions asked Solely.

I Agree that things online can be very Real indeed, but express also that many times they just seem that way, for the reasons You mention. I Agree that a phone is a Real communication device, but I also acknowledge I cannot actually hug or Touch the person on the other end of the receiver, even during phonesex <G>. Fantasy is a wonderfull thing I think, as long as a person can realize and Know there is a difference. And personally I have never had an online Relationship that was nearly as satisfying and fullfilling as one INF. Though I do Agree online can be fun, or even a means to the end of going RT. BTDT! <big smiles>. Just pondering and wondering OP's perspectives on these things. Since it is still such a confusion for me how some do online as if it is their day to day Lives, and Other(s), like me for example, cannot wrap their head around the concept of How online can be RL in itself when our computer is a very small fragment of what is actually physically In our environement. I also do wonder why some PPL settle for an online Relationship (some for years), when there is RL to Live if one will just Live it?

There is also the scarrey PPL out there BTW. Both my Partner and I have e-met them. The ones who issue demands and other ultimatums re; ones RT Life, via email and other means of communicating across the net. Net-Stalkers? <G>. I do wonder about these some too. What can possibly be going on in the mind of someone who trys these tactics, as if they are standing right there before you? <shivers>.

Respectfully~SidheWolf