When a relationship developes over the internet and the phone you are really having a relationship with your IDEA of a person~~~ Now I kept thinking this but I kept my virtual mouth shut. Certainly based on the things that happened to me concerning online "relationships" I have my own opinions. I have always thought they were fueled by fantasy. Id imagine that you are a lot like me in this regard..we have a hard time not being really honest (to a fault at times) and we dont need to pretend who we are. Ive found a lot of people (for my purposes I mean men but I am trying to be fair here) are really good at being whatever the other person wants them to be. But eventually the real them must come out. I will never judge you for wanting love and hoping there was something there. Thats human. You deserve someone as wonderful as yourself. And that will come when the time is right not forced. I know you know that. Im gonna say something bitchy, so if you men wanna just close your eyes for a second..LOL (Ok, I really do NOT mean all men..seriously) but the men ive encountered via online dating are the biggest fakes and idiots I have encountered in a long time. Trust me I tried. Of course my bullshit detector is on high volume but I swear some of these fools made Jeff almost seem like a dream date. I do not and will not ever date from the internet again. But thats just me. Frankly all ive found is either men desperate for attention and validation or men who just want to get laid. Thanks but no thanks, been there done that. Laura, Mister Right will come along just when you dont expect it. In the mean time you are an amazing intelligent woman with a great sense of humor. A real catch. The problem is when you are special that there are not a lot of people who deserve you. Dont settle. Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Being on your own has power. You are a super woman. Three amazing kids, a great career that you love and people respect you for, an incredible knack for words, the abilty to make many laugh and think deeply, your abilty to overcome your own demons and addictions, your capicty to love. You have nothing to be sorry for. You deserve someone truly right for you. You know how I know this? Because the same is true for me. People love you!!! Maybe I will start the "Lets find Laura B the perfect man for her" tribe. And if that works Ill start one for myself..LOL Peace Grrrl, you rock!!