Thanks everyone so far for your great input.. one of the main reasons I continue to love this place is for the stimulating and honest discussions that go on... (and NO.. I am NOT just talking about the sexual ones).

Lilith.. I agree... I am not so sure that it is a "gender" issue.. for I have seen people of both genders deceive online.. just as I have been fortunate enough to witness both genders bare their souls and hearts... I think limiting it to a gender issue is far tooo easy an answer for a very complex issue.

lakritze... Yes, this place is a micro-community... with many of the most active participants (and many of the more silent ones as well) become so intertwined that sometimes the lines can blurr.. would I change how people act/react here? Absolutely not...

BigBear57... I am glad to see such a long post from you You have been far to silent lately for my liking.. how about you tell us more about your theory on "time and need"? I for one would love to hear it. Believe me... you are one of the Nice Guys..

Belial.. I truly believe that "expectations" are the largest factor.... and like you.. I try very hard not to have any... tho I have struggled with that in the past. It helps for me personally, when I am forming any type of online friendship with a guy, to be very clear and reassuring that I have no expectations.. or demands.. and just let things flow from that point. I have been fortunate that for the most part, I have been able to make some great friends that way...

Irish... Yes.. Men are from Mars.. and Women are from Venus.. and all of this comes down to that fact. We are raised with different expectations.. and different realities and are taught differently as to how to handle things in life.... I don't imagine these things will ever change... and to be honest.. I guess I wouldn't want them to... the differences and the mysteries in one another is what keeps us coming back....

Skip... a man of few words... Just glad to know you agree...

GingerV... thanks for your post.. more than a little wise advice I couldn't agree more... until you are in someone life... and have the ability to witness first hand how they live it.. and the person they truly are.. you don't know them... tho.. to some degree... I think that by getting to know someone online first.. over the extended time... you might gain a deeper understanding

WildIrish.. Yep.. thanks for pointing out the obvious No matter where you are in life.. no matter how big the area (or how small) you are bound to run into people that you become fond of, and others that you can't stand... and that eventually EVERYONE shows themselves for who they really are... hopefully sooner... rather than later

Hugs All