Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 14 2011, 10:44 AM GMTDon't assume that women just want to be listened to
Says the woman with over 8000 posts since she joined last year...
Online/Virtual Friendships/Relationships Page 20
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 14 2011, 10:53 AM GMTI met Dan on the internet, and we're still going strong nearly five years later
I always think it's so cool when I hear people say this. Did you meet on a forum or FB? (*Nosey*)
I love how the stigma about meeting people online has almost 100% disappeared.
Quote: TopBanana @ December 14 2011, 11:16 AM GMTI always think it's so cool when I hear people say this. Did you meet on a forum or FB? (*Nosey*)
I love how the stigma about meeting people online has almost 100% disappeared.
On the old Mighty Boosh forum! Which is the most embarrassing part 
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 14 2011, 10:44 AM GMTEurgh. Either people are giving some purposefully bad advice, or we have a load of people who are destined to be alone.
Just relax. You'll find that most people are essentially the same as their online personas (though generally more polite IRL). With meeting people IRL from the net, you've given yourself a headstart because you already know what they are like. There will of course be some awkwardness when you first meet, but just be lighthearted about it. Having a giggle will make it all a lot easier.
In terms of conversation, start off with topics you know you are both interested in (god bless Facebook). Don't assume that women just want to be listened to, and make her do all of the work. A good golden rule if you're worried about conversation is try to ask as many questions as you give answers. That way neither of you will feel uncomfortable when conversation is dominated by one or the other.
Don't worry about fibs you might have told- everyone overeggs a cake from time to time. Just be honest before little white lies get out of hand.
Good lord!...quite a few assumptions in there.
Don't be disheartened, the internet can work. My girlfriend and I met on a Harry Potter forum - she pretending to be a 12 year old boy and me pretending to be a 11 year old girl. We got over the initial awkwardness of our first date and now, five years on, we're still going strong and are in the process of finalising the paperwork which will allow us to realise our dream of opening our very own "free" school (thanks, Mr Gove!).
So true romance is possible on the web!
Quote: rwayne @ December 14 2011, 11:34 AM GMTGood lord!...quite a few assumptions in there.
What assumptions? The one where I say most people are essentially the same as they are online? That's qualitative admittedly, but based on me meeting maybe 150+ I've met online in real life at parties, meetups and the occasional date. Also, of course that's not an assumption in the strictest sense.
Or my use of 'everyone' instead of 'most' for people who over-egg?
Quote: Nogget @ December 14 2011, 11:11 AM GMTSays the woman with over 8000 posts since she joined last year...
Not entirely sure why my internet habits go any way to justifying or negate lazy gender stereotypes. Try harder.
You must never assume Nat. That, you of all men, should know by now.
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 14 2011, 12:03 PM GMTWhat assumptions? The one where I say most people are essentially the same as they are online?
It's certainly different from my experience!
There again, AFAIK you have never been a man meeting a woman for a date from the internet.
I suppose that it not only depends on your gender, and that of those you've met online (admittedly, most of them have been women too), but also where online you meet them. The one or two people who I'd say were quite different from who they seemed to be online were male, but I certainly wouldn't want to say that blokes off the internet are all putting on a front!
As a general rule, for those that I've met offov the internet, they're just a less extreme version of their online selves. Those who are bullies online, are generally mean spirited in person, those who are camwhorey are generally self conscious and attention seeking, those who seem kind and genuine are usually kind and genuine.
I must say though, that only a very very small number of those people were met through chat rooms and dating sites, which probably would account for a lot of the assumption.
Edit: I just remembered Catfish and now I'm worried I'm too trusting of the internet...
Quote: TopBanana @ December 10 2011, 5:50 PM GMTSorry, dude. The talk of bum tricks freaked me out slightly. Not good.
According to Freud, getting freaked out about that sort of thing means you're repressing your feelings for men.
I'm just going to repeat what I've said before on this thread - but I've met a good number of you now from this website and you're all as you seem online - albeit a little stranger and quieter in real life, but you're all pretty normal (apart from Nat Wicks).
I also met my boyfriend on a dating website - and most dates that came before meeting him were pretty normal too.
It's just not a big issue any more. I tell people I met my boyfriend on-line. It's not a problem or seen as weird - in fact it normally just sparks interest.
I'm just so effin' weird.
Ellie is a bad influence.
Quote: Nat Wicks @ December 14 2011, 12:28 PM GMTI'm just so effin' weird.
Ellie is a bad influence.
Ha - You missy are a bad influence on me.
Back in the late 70's when I was 13 I had a CB radio. They were illegal at the time which is where 90% of the fun came from. It was very similar to 'meeting' online friends and I did meet a few of them once(who were adults - luckily I wasn't bummed).
It's always a good day when you're not being bummed against your will.