Funny I had almost an identical conversation this afternoon...LOL

A wise although smart assed former member once told me that online is like Jr. High and that 1 day online is like 2 weeks in the real world. I think he may be right but I would never admit that to him.
I think sometimes online interactions can be very intense because you actually communicate. Be it truths or be it lies it's often a lot more communicative than some people's daily real world existence and often more in depth.
I think ( and I clarify this as just a random thought in the swirling vortex that is my head) that women tend to become attached to a person based on the reciprocation of language and communication more than on the physicality of that person. In other words substance, character and all the gooey inside stuff attract us more. I think men online tend to be more open which instantly makes them more attractive because they are online looking to communicate, regardless of what need they may be trying to fulfill by communicating. I can only comment about online interactions. I have been married for too long to remember what it's like in person
I think some men do have expectations and I think that some women do not and vice versa. It's not a gender based thing as I see it. I am not sure exactly how we differ or why, but it's worked for a long time now and I follow the "if it ain't broke don't fuck with it " theory.