Online Relationship Is Frustrating

Dear Dee:
I met this guy on the internet, and I fell in love with him.

The big problem is he lives very far from me and I don't know what to do! And advice?

I have written three seperate responses to your question and deleted each one of them. The fact is, I can't write a straight answer to this question without pointing out how careful a person has to be while meeting others online -- especially when that online relationship turns into something more meaningful than casual conversations.

I don't know how old you are, but since most of my readers are under the age of 18, I am going to assume you are as well. So in that case, please don't give out personal information. Be careful and understand many dangerous situations start simply by a freaky, creepy person posing as a normal, easy-going one looking for love.

Be safe and always keep in mind people pretend to be who they're not when they're online! He could be 40, fat and going bald (not to mention have a wife and 9 kids) but totally tell you he's dreamy, 16 and on his way to the NFL ... so please be careful.

If he asks you to meet him secretly, tells you he wants your address so he can visit or asks you to keep this relationship a secret from your parents, please tell an adult you trust. If this person is genuine and wants to visit, tell him your parents should talk to each other and work something out! A pervert is gonna back off and someone who's truly who they say they are is gonna play it safe -- just like you.

Now let's talk about your relationship. And take into account you've been careful and you have played this one by the book -- and it's the real thing.

Long distance relationships work out all the time! You just need to be patient and stay strong. Talk when you can, write when you can and if your parents agree to it and something works out, then you can see each other when it's possible.

It's not easy, but you already know that. As this relationship plays out, you'll just need to evaluate along the way if it's worth the frustration in the end. You may decide it is and stick it out or you may decide it's not. Just keep your options open and ... I have to say it, be safe.