In the terms of long distance relationships you describe, where people meet on line, I'd argue it's almost impossible to classify it as a romantic relationship until there's been personal interaction and you're sure of feelings for each other. Until then it remains a possibility or a flirtation. Feelings can run high though as can anticipation, as I know from experience. When I met the guy in reality, I didn't fancy him at all, but he felt differently. This was a person I got chatting to on a history discussion board, so the initial contact wasn't with romantic intentions. He didn't look like his photos and we just weren't suited anyway. But we did keep in contact as friends (he is now married with three kids!). It's easy to be carried away with this type of thing. 

The old definition of a long distance relationship was probably meeting someone on holiday, or a partner taking a job in another country or region which is a different situation altogether.

I'd agree that anything is possible with living in the end of the wish fulfilled, but if the person is someone you don't know in real life perhaps more imagination and creativity is necessary to create exactly what you want? And of course there are many successes where people have met in this way and gone on to long lasting relationships, marriage etc. An interesting topic you've brought up here!

PrettyFlamingo wrote:

In the terms of long distance relationships you describe, where people meet on line, I'd argue it's almost impossible to classify it as a romantic relationship until there's been personal interaction and you're sure of feelings for each other. Until then it remains a possibility or a flirtation. Feelings can run high though as can anticipation, as I know from experience. When I met the guy in reality, I didn't fancy him at all, but he felt differently. This was a person I got chatting to on a history discussion board, so the initial contact wasn't with romantic intentions. He didn't look like his photos and we just weren't suited anyway. But we did keep in contact as friends (he is now married with three kids!). It's easy to be carried away with this type of thing. 

The old definition of a long distance relationship was probably meeting someone on holiday, or a partner taking a job in another country or region which is a different situation altogether.

I'd agree that anything is possible with living in the end of the wish fulfilled, but if the person is someone you don't know in real life perhaps more imagination and creativity is necessary to create exactly what you want? And of course there are many successes where people have met in this way and gone on to long lasting relationships, marriage etc. An interesting topic you've brought up here!

PF I see your point with the first paragraph     But I think it’s A LOT different with the newer generations    Like people who are 18-30.    Every generation has their “thing”.    But for people who grew up right in the digital age.  Meeting friends, romantic interests, etc online has became a norm.   I know A LOT of people who met off twitter, tinder, etc(whether they live close or far)  and they end up married or close friends

For people 30 and under.  Meeting people off apps have became almost as normal as meeting people in school, at work, at the gym, etc    I think it’s a generational thing(obviously like anything else, there’s exceptions)     It might sound weird/different to you or others. But for a lot of people in the 30 and under crowd it’s normal

Especially with how easy it is going places.  Airplanes, trains, Uber, etc.   I see what you’re saying, about maybe when they meet in person the vibe could be off or whatever    But with LOA(for the people who know it). It should be pretty easy

I can see why some wouldn’t think of it as being a real romantic relationship     But for people(obviously there’s older people who would agree with this and younger people who would disagree) who are 30 and under.  It has become just like any other romantic relationship.   Of course there’s pros and cons.  But even in non long distant relationships there’s pros and cons

Haha. But for the real young crowd.  This is pretty normal

I see your points though lol

PrettyFlamingo wrote:

In the terms of long distance relationships you describe, where people meet on line, I'd argue it's almost impossible to classify it as a romantic relationship until there's been personal interaction and you're sure of feelings for each other. Until then it remains a possibility or a flirtation. Feelings can run high though as can anticipation, as I know from experience. When I met the guy in reality, I didn't fancy him at all, but he felt differently. This was a person I got chatting to on a history discussion board, so the initial contact wasn't with romantic intentions. He didn't look like his photos and we just weren't suited anyway. But we did keep in contact as friends (he is now married with three kids!). It's easy to be carried away with this type of thing. 

The old definition of a long distance relationship was probably meeting someone on holiday, or a partner taking a job in another country or region which is a different situation altogether.

I'd agree that anything is possible with living in the end of the wish fulfilled, but if the person is someone you don't know in real life perhaps more imagination and creativity is necessary to create exactly what you want? And of course there are many successes where people have met in this way and gone on to long lasting relationships, marriage etc. An interesting topic you've brought up here!

Hi! I might need your advice too. It's the similar situation.
I met my guy online but he flew to my country to meet me after knowing each other for a month, and then he broke up with me few days after he returned to his country.
I posted my story in the Forum as well, not sure if I am allowed to post the link here.