I've had a couple different relationships that have had their starts online. While every situation has been unique, there has been constants that have proven to be consistent among all of them. Really though it's not much different from making a close friend online, the difference is just how much gravity getting a message from that person has in your life. Eventually I would reach a point where there was an acknowledgement that the highlight of my day was getting to talk to them, after which a conversation was had inquiring over the possibility of a next step. Though I have never had a reason to doubt who I was talking to, for one I'm paranoid by nature so there's always a period of verifying information before allowing anything to progress too far.
I hate to say it, but I'd actually prefer to start a relationship online. Just because whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we are creatures that are attracted to aesthetics. We sometimes let physical attraction dictate how we react around people... but the truth is beauty fades and in the end all that's left is conversation... which when dealing with online relationships, is the absolute staple. I admit that I've had some online relationships that have gone sour before we met in person... but these have been issues that revolve around communication... and I think talking online first shines in the regard. Communication is key to maintaining a relationship as well... so if you can make it work online, as long as people have been genuine... it should work fine in person as well.
I've just recently been introduced to the concept of catfishing though, and it's caused an increased hesitation towards meeting people online. I've actually made a ongoing commitment to representing who I am through text accurately, so upon suddenly realizing people actively aim to deceive others, has taken the flavor out of it.
I'm rambling, but I believe whole heartedly that love can be found through text. I believe distance can create a firm foundation quicker then a more local option and I also believe that the demands of maintaining a online relationship works as a built in filter to cycle out people who are "incompatible". But only when both people make an effort to be genuine... which if they truly are looking for something real, they will be. If not... well... even the local dating scene is filled with uncertainty of motive. Different medium, same problems.
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Date: 2013-02-06 08:08 am (UTC)I hate to say it, but I'd actually prefer to start a relationship online. Just because whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we are creatures that are attracted to aesthetics. We sometimes let physical attraction dictate how we react around people... but the truth is beauty fades and in the end all that's left is conversation... which when dealing with online relationships, is the absolute staple. I admit that I've had some online relationships that have gone sour before we met in person... but these have been issues that revolve around communication... and I think talking online first shines in the regard. Communication is key to maintaining a relationship as well... so if you can make it work online, as long as people have been genuine... it should work fine in person as well.
I've just recently been introduced to the concept of catfishing though, and it's caused an increased hesitation towards meeting people online. I've actually made a ongoing commitment to representing who I am through text accurately, so upon suddenly realizing people actively aim to deceive others, has taken the flavor out of it.
I'm rambling, but I believe whole heartedly that love can be found through text. I believe distance can create a firm foundation quicker then a more local option and I also believe that the demands of maintaining a online relationship works as a built in filter to cycle out people who are "incompatible". But only when both people make an effort to be genuine... which if they truly are looking for something real, they will be. If not... well... even the local dating scene is filled with uncertainty of motive. Different medium, same problems.