Quote Originally Posted by Rowen MTP View Post
On the forum I have read about the online relationships of some of the members, some of them most touching.....sometimes developing in real life relations.
Looking at my own experience and feelings I wonder wether it is a blessing or a torment. Blessing because it makes it possible to meet that need that apparantly exists, to try out likes and dislikes, to safely test and experiment, to get to know people you would normally never have met.
Or is it in fact a torment, giving you a taste of something you don’t have in real life, make the longing only bigger and bigger meanwhile making you realise just how much you miss it, yearning to experience what other members share.
Tell me, what is the case for you? What did it bring you?
For me Online is a way to expand ones horizons in the sense of maybe opening up possibilities. And opportunity to speak with other People one may never have the opportunity to due to geography. The net is great for getting a variety of information. Its a good tool I think for things like E-Groups like this one, and many others. Some E-Groups I am on utilize the net as a means of announcing Meetings, or Munches, and other Events, one may wish to attend. Or even People of interest that one may wish to meet. They also provide discussions via email, much like this one does.

Over the years I have met some really good People at Poly Meetings, Munches, and Events. Some have become long term RT Friends or more. Some I have e-met have become years long net Friends, and we will likely never meet due to geography.

I have also e-met (and even at some Meetings, Munches, or Events) People who were nothing like who they were online, And Predators.

Overall I am a RT person. Online does not translate to me to anything more than an E-Friendship, or the possibility of something more, until I have actually met that person RT. My Real Life Always takes precedece. If I want or need something in my Real Life, I will do my dead level best to find it and make it happen. Sitting in a chair on a computer does not constitute Real Life for me. I simply cannot wrap my head around it.

Just my .03 or so <G>.

Respectfully~SidheWolf