posted May 02, 2008 10:14 AM         

From my personal experience, I'd vote that 1 and 3 could work based on the "gut instinct" that we talked about in another thread.

When you know, you know.

However, when you initially meet a potential partner online, you're not physically in their presence and therefore I think it is an illusion as to who they are. I tried that twice and all seemed hunkey dorey until time passed and the illusion let up and there were some major issues. Issues that if I had just met them in person, I believe I would have sensed and remained on a friendship basis only. (I know it works for some people, but I NEED that initial gut instinct to flash red or green...)

With #3, I think you can see a person (even if you don't officially meet) and have that feeling if you're in the same room.

As for a long distance relationship...it depends on whether that is to be a permanent situation or temporary. I would always "date" long distance to see if it could go somewhere...if the possibility existed of one of us moving eventually.

Hope that helps a bit!