http://www.amazingdatingtips.com/relationship/n58.html Online relationships: Are they a good idea? It depends on what you're looking for. Lots of people want different things from their online relationships. en-us Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:40:42 EST Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:40:42 EST Weblog Editor 2.0 For a lot of people online relationships are a good idea. They either just want a friend to talk to online, or it's an easy way to get to know someone before meeting in person. But how long should online relationships be online before moving to the next level? Going Online A lot of people in online relationships got that way because someone convinced them to join an online dating site. They really don't know what they're looking for, but who knows? Something good may come of it. But for other people, online dating is a way to boost their ego if there's something lacking in their existing relationship. You definitely have to be careful with online dating. Not everyone is 100% honest. And some are downright insulting without even meaning to be. And some are just looking for a fling. But let's say that two people meet online and they both want the same thing--a relationship. To get started, they do the smart thing and engage in an online relationship before taking things to the next level. Going to the Next Level No, we're not talking about sex. Hopefully you haven't engaged in online sex yet. (But it would be the safest form of sex.) Anyway, when we say "take it to the next level" we mean meeting in person. For most people in online relationships, this is the moment of truth. "What if I don't meet up to the other person's expectations? What if they don't like me in person?" If either of those things turns out to be a valid question, then what have you lost? A little time maybe. But let's face it, you probably weren't too emotionally invested yet (at least we hope not). At this stage of the game, most online relationships aren't committed anyway. Instead of thinking the worst, why not worry about other things like "Will he or she meet up to my standards?" Be Safe Even now, you shouldn't tell the other person your exact address or other personal information. Wait until after you've met in person and have a good feel for what the other person is all about. When deciding to meet for the first time, don't go alone. Have a group of friends go with you and vice versa. That will take a lot of stress off of both of you. Or, if that's too much stress, at least tell a friend where you're going. Here's more safety advice: Take your cell phone with you and make sure the battery is full charged Meet at a public place, not at one another's home Don't ride together anywhere. Drive separately at this stage of the game. Don't go home together. Not yet. Hopefully these things will ensure that you have a safe online dating experience. Sat, 19 Nov 2005 14:40:42 EST