Growing Online Dating Relationships

I shudder when I think about a young woman whom I have "met" online ( I am also a woman- this is a friendship), who is very deeply involved with a man thousands of miles away who is in PRISON- the BIG P, not the LITTLE J! She has a seven year old daughter, recently moved to Florida from New Jersey, and is not doing well here- no job, ex-husband is not paying child support, etc. But why she would choose a felon to hitch her wagon to, instead of a star, is beyond me. She must be very lonely. I feel that she is getting too serious too fast. She needs to check him out- have him investigated, instead of just believing what he tells her. I feel that what he is telling her is only the tip of the iceburg.

Just like regular real-world relationships, online relationships need tending, to grow over time. Here are some quick growing tips.

1. Take time and make time. Does your online date get in touch with you regularly? Do you do the same? Neglecting virtual meetings can be considered abuse or neglect, so treat each other’s time with respect. If it’s lacking, might mean time to move on.

2. Communication needs to “feel” right for both of you. If one of you is too pushy about meeting, for instance, that can give off bad vibes. So don’t rush. Take time to learn more about each other and develop trust.

3. Respect each others privacy. Don’t share personal email addresses or digital photos online, for example, if your online date sent you the information in confidence.

4. Share special online and offline fun times. Online – send greeting cards, links to favorite places to upload digital photos of your favorite pet, download music and video clips, post on favorite forums of interest. Offline- if you’re exchanging addresses or post office boxes, send print greeting cards and postcards, small items from your area (like a key chain with your state bird).

Tend your online relationship. Water it with care and over time it can sprout and grow. But Know WHO you are Dealing With! Click Here