I met and fell in love with an incredible woman online. At first we just chatted a bit and found many coincidences between us. Over the course of about a month and a half, we got to the point where we were chatting constantly and a couple times for 24 hours straight. We decided we had to meet, so went on a little trip. I took her to see her family and some close friends, who pretty much all liked me, and the trip itself was great. After a few days, we admitted strong feelings for each other were stronger than we had thought, and we became quite serious about each other.
Unfortunately, in large part because of the distance between us, and a number of other personal reasons, we have had some problems and are now trying to be just friends. We each have personal issues we need to overcome and I don't think either of us was ready for a relationship when we entered into it, and the situation she was in as well as distance between us didn't help. Our issues also caused problems as her issues fed mine, and I'd freak out over nothing as a result. It got to the point where communication started breaking down, and that's never good.
She is the strongest woman I have ever met, and is a very beautiful person both inside and out, but she has had an extremely rough life and doesn't care enough or believe enough in herself. She says she's over the things that she's had to deal with, but I truly think some of those things are the root of her issues right now. So now we are just friends as she is still in an uncomfortable situation, and neither of us wants to hurt each other as we care for each other very much.
In any case, I am hoping that we can each work out our issues and maybe one day have a try at a normal relationship. I have stronger feelings for her than I ever had for another woman, and it pains me to think that we never have that chance as it seems that we could be so perfect together. We have shared some beautiful things together, but we rushed into things and fell into unhealthy relationship patterns. We share some similar issues, but her situation and past compound her issues, and recently over course of a month, I added to her issues unintentionally because of my own issues. I am on my way to recovery, but I think hers will take longer and be more difficult. I can only hope to be her friend and help her through them. Then maybe we can try again under normal circumstances. For now, all I can do is give her my support from afar as I continue in my own recovery and improving of myself.
Dang, my long email problem carries over to my forum posting.......
The only advice I can give to those contemplating online relationships is, take it at slow pace and watch yourselves. Not only because you never know about the other person, but also because long distance relationships can be the most difficult kind.
G.N.G.-ITRFLYVMAAF and I'll be here if you need a friend.