I think it's pretty easy to fall for people online because words have power, and you make them mean what you want; you can read into what people write to mean whatever you'd most like it to mean, and imagine the attitude that goes with it. Having made a point of studying writing styles compared with speaking styles of people who are my mates IRL but also chat via IMs, I've noticed huge differences in presentation, so bearing that in mind it's hard for me to believe that the way people present online is the way they do IRL.

That said, there are several people I've met online whom I'll never ever forget because you can address personal issues in a much less confrontational way, so you get to hear some really uncensored and often amazing opinions and ideas. I love how people are uninhibited online, life would be so much simpler if everyone was like that IRL! I've had a lot of online crushes, people who I would always be writing to and chatting to, but never anything where we actually decided to be a couple. I've never really gotten how cybersex works, I saw Lawnmower Man when I was a kid and for years thought it meant that! Lol...I guess it could be an easy way to get off, but never with strangers. And I think I'm devoid of that drive anyway, I have a counsellor to teach me to understand flirting, I find it all so weird, I just like people so much that I feel like sex detracts from the identity...This isn't a criticism of anyone who thinks otherwise btw, just explaining my rationale. However, I think that net relationships are great precisely because I'm so obsessed with openness and honesty, and it's a great way to get to know someone without awkwardness; I've met loads of really safe people online who are my good friends IRL now. I'm sure the same could be said for loving relationships, but I dunno, I've never had much luck! :P

XXX