Quote Originally Posted by EDMUNDOSLOTH
I say role playing because this is what an on-line relationship must be. It is not real. It does not involve body language and contact. It is devoid of most things that define us as human.
I must disagree. Although it CAN be, online does not HAVE to be role playing. Furthermore, I have had, and observed even more, real-life relationships which involved far more role playing. People often pretend to be what they believe the other will desire, even in real life. One must make a conscious effort. in either environment "to be real."

I further disagree with what you allege defines us as human. My brain is what defines me and makes me unique. Kindness, compassion, wit, reason, humor, empathy, insight, helpfulness - those are the traits I see as defining and desireable in humanity, and they all have to do with the brain, not the physical senses. My cats can see, hear, smell, touch and taste, but that doesn't make them human. (ok, they're almost human ....lol).

Perhaps the best response is your own Shakespeare. What is it that made Shakespeare great? - his words and insight into humanity - and that insight was about people's characters, not their physicality.

I'm not saying the 5 senses are unimportant - I certainly believe being able to hear Brosco enriches our experience, I'm just saying the 5 senses are not ALL-important. You cannot arouse me by using my 5 senses (no matter how hard you try) if you do not arouse my brain; however, Brosco can arouse me merely through words without using any of the 5 senses. But I will admit, I am an extreme case, heavily geared toward the mental aspect of things in all areas of life. As noted many times before in this forum, we are all individuals here - what works for one isn't going to work for everyone. So although it may not work for you, please don't dismiss it as lesser.

fantassy