First off, let me give a warm thank you to all that have posted, long, short answers, they were all very heartfelt and thoughtful, and it made me smile. I have been away from the site for a very long time and I think I had forgotten how open and giving people are here
*hugs to you all*
Lil & Maddy: I agree, it is hard to tell sometimes whether that voice in your head is reason or insecurity. I am leaning toward the latter as once before I ran into someone online and she dissappeared without a trace, and sometimes I wonder if that same thing will happen. As for her reluctance, I learned that she had met someone online once before, she didn't go into all the details but from what I gathered she went to live with him and it was very ugly (in her words it was the first time she ever felt helpless).
Cherrypie: I agree, online relationships can definitely be an emotional ride, and I am doing my best to try to keep myself level and in check, just sometimes, as you know, it isn't always easy *chuckles*
Bigbear: I too share your doubts at times, and perhaps I am just opening myself up for a hard fall but...I need to find out if this next step I take is the edge of a cliff, if I never find out, I think I would always wonder.
FallenAngel: I think her reluctance is due to being burnt badly once before, and I think it still lingers over her head.
Osuche & SK: I do agree there are many things you get from a person that you can only get in person. There are so many nuances you cannot get online, you have no idea what kind of habits the person has, maybe you will learn that they do something that annoys the hell out of you. Of course at the same time they may do something so endearing that you can't stop but want to be with them lol
. But yes, a physical meeting would definitely help a lot in seeing if there was a "final" compatibility per say.
Kaelynn: Perhaps it was not short, but it was sweet, thank you for sharing your trials and tribulations with me. Also I don't think you are a horrible person so I don't you should categorize yourself that way. You had a few bad experiences with some not so great people from what I can see, and I do hope your next endeavor is much more favorable
AngelicVampires: *chuckles* It definitely is a crap shoot isn't it? I am glad though your story ends up with a happy ending, it is funny how sometimes, the things you don't have any expectations for end up being the best things. That seems to be the trend in my life, I am hoping since this started out with no expectations, that I too end up with a happy ending. I do thank you for your advice checklist, I think it is very sound and I have thought over many of the points you have listed. After my few experiences, I am definitely trying to be cautious and careful, but definitely not cynical.
Again, I thank you all for putting your thoughts and feelings down on this matter, I truly do appreciate everyone of you! *hugs*