Meeting an online friend in real life after 3 and a bit years of talking...

[joelovesapple]

Hey everybody,

On Tuesday the 10th Feb I spoke to one of my online friends (who I've 'known' for about 3 years from online), and we arranged to meet up in real life at their local train station in Derby UK and take a look round the place as I've not gone there before.

I've seen tons of pictures, been on webcams with him (not giving name away for purposes of privacy) and heard him on microphone just once or twice. We started talking when he was almost 16 and I was 17 at the time, he is now nearly 19 in June and I'll be 21 this July.

We have quite a lot in common and make each other laugh a lot, and I am looking forward to meeting him for the first time very much. I'll be meeting him on the 10th of March which ironically, is a Tuesday because of the leap year :cool:.

I feel quite nervous too and excited at the same time, though I don't intend to get carried away as for all I know it could be disappointing; however hopefully it won't be.

Just wondering if anyone has met up either thru here or msn, AIM etc? And what was it like? I've read numerous sites about it but I wanted to get a real perspective of it... I'd imagine that if you talk a hell of a lot it would be very surreal as you already feel like you've known them as they know a fair bit about you.

Thanks for any responses I receive. :)

[MacDawg]

There have actually been quite a few "love connections" made on MR over the years... some resulting in marriages. I won't share the names... I'll let them do that, but just know that it does happen, and for some, it ends happily.

Be sure to let us know how it turns out... and good luck!

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[joelovesapple]

This won't be a romantic encounter :D. Just friends. :) But thanks anyway.

[blackfox]

I don't have much experience in this field, although I have gone on dates occasionally over the years via online personals.

Generally, in real life things were better than I would've expected going in.

I wouldn't worry. It will only be as awkward as you let it be, especially since you two have an established relationship (of sorts). Good Luck mate.

Why is this in PRSI btw?

[.Andy]

I sometimes send myself suggestive PMs. Would never want to meet me though. It would ruin the mysticism.

Good luck joelovesapple :)

[joelovesapple]

I don't have much experience in this field, although I have gone on dates occasionally over the years via online personals.

Generally, in real life things were better than I would've expected going in.

I wouldn't worry. It will only be as awkward as you let it be, especially since you two have an established relationship (of sorts). Good Luck mate.

Why is this in PRSI btw?

Thanks for wishing me some luck. Oops I saw that the community discussion and social issues forums were separate after I posted this. :o Sorry everyone. :)

[leekohler]

Thanks for wishing me some luck. Oops I saw that the community discussion and social issues forums were separate after I posted this. :o Sorry everyone. :)

That's OK.

I dated one of the members here for two years. It's not that weird to met somebody on line. If you've been in contact for that long, I'd say you'll most likely be OK.

[joelovesapple]

That's OK.

I dated one of the members here for two years. It's not that weird to met somebody on line. If you've been in contact for that long, I'd say you'll most likely be OK.

Yeah, most likely. Thinking about it, I may even have been corresponding with him since late 2005 but I've forgotten, oh well! :)

[Iscariot]

I've met scores of people from various online locations.

Only had to kill three of 'em.

[leekohler]

I've met scores of people from various online locations.

Only had to kill three of 'em.

And I'll be meeting you in another three days.

[TSE]

Meh, online dating is not my cup of tea, but good luck. :)

[joelovesapple]

It isn't a date! But thanks anyway. :p

[Prof.]

I met a lot of cool ppl on Modlife.com over the past year and a half. Then in October of 2008, seven of us met up in Chicago, IL. Two of them flew from California, one came from North Carolina and the other three came from Chicago and Indiana. I've also hung out with numerous other ppl from the same website. As funny as it sounds, they're some of the best friends I've ever had. It's like we've known each other our entire lives. :)

[leekohler]

It isn't a date! But thanks anyway. :p

Hey joe- ya never know. ;)

[drlunanerd]

If he's from Derby I'd be afraid, very afraid ;)

[EvanLugh]

Hey, don't be 'dissin' derby! If you want someone to look out for you, i would happily offer- i work just around the corner. You can never trust people these days. :)

[joelovesapple]

Hey, don't be 'dissin' derby! If you want someone to look out for you, i would happily offer- i work just around the corner. You can never trust people these days. :)

Well thanks for the kind offer but seeing as I know you even less I shall decline. :p

Leekohler - It's a same sex meeting...! Do you know something I don't, then? :confused:

[arkitect]

Leekohler - It's a same sex meeting...! Do you know something I don't, then? :confused:

*snort* Are you just playing the innocent?
:D:D

Trust me. As a veteran of many a "same-sex" meeting… lots can/do/might happen. Be prepared. Enjoy.
;)

[joelovesapple]

No, not at all.:)

Thanks for wishing me a good time.:cool:

[Applespider]

If you've been chatting online for that long and still have stuff to say, then you should have a great time in real life. Just find a pub and chat for a bit.

Might be a bit odd at times when you realise that you know lots of some things about each other and not much about others.

I've met a variety of men/women that I originally met online over the last decade and while I'm not in touch with all of them, I don't think I can honestly say that I regret meeting them. The majority were very like their online selves and we had a lot of fun.

[joelovesapple]

Hang about - do you lot think I'm a girl? I'm a man! :eek: Well, I was the last time I checked. :apple:

[joelovesapple]

Thanks Applespider. I may do that actually, though I am going to be given a tour of the place once we've had a milkshake :p.

I can't wait - I have 3 weeks to go yet but I'm sure it'll fly by. :)

[EvanLugh]

Well thanks for the kind offer but seeing as I know you even less I shall decline. :p

Leekohler - It's a same sex meeting...! Do you know something I don't, then? :confused:

Hehe i didn't mean like that, I meant more of a if I see you wandering around lost or get put into a white van :) I can see the train station from my window but, the offer is there if you need it and I wouldn't risk kidnapping you and be banned from MR. :p

[zelmo]

Hang about - do you lot think I'm a girl? I'm a man! :eek: Well, I was the last time I checked. :apple:

Easy, skippy.:) Sounds like you are completely hetero [or in full denial mode:p]
Here's a question: Are you 100% clear on your friend's intentions?

At any rate, hope you guys hit it off with no hiccups. It'll probably be weird for the first few minutes and then it'll settle in to the friendship you've maintained for the past several years. No worries.

[joelovesapple]

Easy, skippy.:) Sounds like you are completely hetero [or in full denial mode:p]
Here's a question: Are you 100% clear on your friend's intentions?

At any rate, hope you guys hit it off with no hiccups. It'll probably be weird for the first few minutes and then it'll settle in to the friendship you've maintained for the past several years. No worries.

EvanLugh - this world is smaller than I thought. Again, thanks for the kind offer but it makes me feel kinda uncomfortable coming from a complete stranger (though I am sure it wasn't intended as such).

Zelmo, are you trying to put me under the 'Spotlight' (pardon the pun) here? :p

[EvanLugh]

EvanLugh - this world is smaller than I thought. Again, thanks for the kind offer but it makes me feel kinda uncomfortable coming from a complete stranger (though I am sure it wasn't intended as such).

Zelmo, are you trying to put me under the 'Spotlight' (pardon the pun) here? :p

no worries, i've just had bad experiences myself which made the trip suck.

[r1ch4rd]

I've offered my couch for the night for one guy I met online (but had never met in real life previously). It was just like meeting any of my other friends really. In the same weekend we had a get together with some other people from the same forum. It's a band forum, so we went to see the band together. Good times.

Have fun!

[drlunanerd]

Leekohler - It's a same sex meeting...! Do you know something I don't, then? :confused:

Got to be post of the week! :D

[Doctor Q]

I've met quite a few people first online and later in person. So far I'm batting 100% in making friends with good people. In a way, you know somebody better if you've been talking to them online, because you may talk about varied and serious topics, compared to, say, chatting about the weather with somebody you keep seeing in the supermarket.

What usually surprises me is how short or tall they are. You don't get a good impression of that from conversation!

[maestro55]

I am planning perhaps this summer to MAYBE go and visit a friend of mine who I have known online for about 4 years. So I think it is great that you actually got to meet your friend "in real life". I think the great thing about meeting someone online is you tend to really know a lot more about them than if you meet them in person because people will share more up front online than they do in person so you get the know the person way better than if you meet them in person first.

[joelovesapple]

Thanks for the nice replies everyone. I really appreciate it, and it's given me some insight (which is what I wanted) as to what it's like to meet people you talk to online only.

Yeah Zelmo i am pretty clear that I know what his intentions are: to give me a tour of the city, take it all in whilst still being unable to realize we are talking like best friends who have never met before.

I'm so sad though: I keep imagining how it's going to be (in a good sense) and what it will be like once I get off the train; what the weather will be like and how busy it will be and what it will be like when we meet for the very first time.

Anyone know what I mean? Is this normal? :o

I shall post back in 3 weeks tomorrow and let everyone know how it went, but feel free to contibute if you have something interesting/relevant to say.

:)

[PcBgone]

Thanks for the nice replies everyone. I really appreciate it, and it's given me some insight (which is what I wanted) as to what it's like to meet people you talk to online only.

Yeah Zelmo i am pretty clear that I know what his intentions are: to give me a tour of the city, take it all in whilst still being unable to realize we are talking like best friends who have never met before.

I'm so sad though: I keep imagining how it's going to be (in a good sense) and what it will be like once I get off the train; what the weather will be like and how busy it will be and what it will be like when we meet for the very first time.

Anyone know what I mean? Is this normal? :o

I shall post back in 3 weeks tomorrow and let everyone know how it went, but feel free to contibute if you have something interesting/relevant to say.

:)


Are you sure your not homosexual? Sorry dude, but all of this is sounding very homosexual like. Most guys dont get so worked up about meeting another guy. Why would you "hook up" with another dude anyway. Im sorry but this sounds totally strange to me as a heterosexual male. If your homosexual then I completely understand but you keep saying your not...

What are you looking for out of this "meeting"?

[joelovesapple]

Are you sure your not homosexual? Sorry dude, but all of this is sounding very homosexual like. Most guys dont get so worked up about meeting another guy. Why would you "hook up" with another dude anyway. Im sorry but this sounds totally strange to me as a heterosexual male. If your homosexual then I completely understand but you keep saying your not...

What are you looking for out of this "meeting"?

Let me point out where you are right and where you are wrong, Pcbegone.

For starters, it was *not* me who said 'hook-up', it was just an ordinary meeting up with someone who I've spoken to for 3 years or so. Double check my posts if you wish but I did NOT mention hook-up myself, the other contributors did.

As it's the first time I have done all of this, I was naturally nervous and curious about it so I posted on here and thought I'd make a thread that people might be able to add to, like they do with others.

That is where you are wrong with your details.

This is where you are not mistaken:

Yes, if you must really know the 'truth', both the person and myself are actually 'homosexual', as you put it but there is absolutely *nothing* between us we are just friends and I am 110% sure about it.

I did not wish to bring my sexuality onto this forum as I felt it unnecessary, primarily because it's a tech forum and although I read these boards from time to time, I barely know any of you on here; but then when I posted this thread people kept trying to squeeze the truth out of me so now I have given in. I'm not mad at you, its just maybe I misread what you wrote but it didn't sound that nice (to me anyway).

Cheers for listening.

[leekohler]

Let me point out where you are right and where you are wrong, Pcbegone.

For starters, it was *not* me who said 'hook-up', it was just an ordinary meeting up with someone who I've spoken to for 3 years or so. Double check my posts if you wish but I did NOT mention hook-up myself, the other contributors did.

As it's the first time I have done all of this, I was naturally nervous and curious about it so I posted on here and thought I'd make a thread that people might be able to add to, like they do with others.

That is where you are wrong with your details.

This is where you are not mistaken:

Yes, if you must really know the 'truth', both the person and myself are actually 'homosexual', as you put it but there is absolutely *nothing* between us we are just friends and I am 110% sure about it.

I did not wish to bring my sexuality onto this forum as I felt it unnecessary, primarily because it's a tech forum and although I read these boards from time to time, I barely know any of you on here; but then when I posted this thread people kept trying to squeeze the truth out of me so now I have given in. I'm not mad at you, its just maybe I misread what you wrote but it didn't sound that nice (to me anyway).

Cheers for listening.

Joe- it's OK, lots of us are out here. Don't worry about that. It's a pretty friendly, safe place.

[iBlue]

I never thought I would be "one of those" but I've met loads of people (including my husband) from the big bad internet and macrumors and I don't regret any of it one bit. The majority have been really great people. I think you can usually get a decent idea about what sort of person they are and what you have in common over the course of 3 years. I imagine once you get past the brief moment of surreality over finally meeting, you may have a really good time. If not, at least you went and found out.

And don't be put off by that other post. Plus some of the finest homosexuals EVER exist in this forum. :D It's a pretty open place here. :)

[joelovesapple]

Thanks for the support you two. Probably best I draw this thread to a close now as it's getting off topic a bit. :apple:

[leekohler]

Thanks for the support you two. Probably best I draw this thread to a close now as it's getting off topic a bit. :apple:

It's not off-topic at all. Meeting people in real life after knowing them on line can be a little scary. We were just letting you know that it's usually OK. iBlue met her husband here! That speaks well for this site, IMO.

[Veldek]

Not to scare you away from this meeting, but I found this a fitting article: New Zealand Police rescue German woman from internet pal (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/255909,new-zealand-police-rescue-german-woman-from-internet-pal--summary.html)

[joelovesapple]

Not to scare you away from this meeting, but I found this a fitting article: New Zealand Police rescue German woman from internet pal (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/255909,new-zealand-police-rescue-german-woman-from-internet-pal--summary.html)

Just as well that I've known my friend for over 3 years then, it could even be more actually. Done the webcam, voice so I know for sure it won't be like that story! But yeah, sadly crap like that does happen. :(

:apple:

[todd2000]

Joe- it's OK, lots of us are out here. Don't worry about that. It's a pretty friendly, safe place.

What he said, You'll find there are a bunch of us here (it is an Apple forum after all:))

As for "PcBgone" I don't think his post was meant to be mean, he was just genuinely curious. I mean after I read your first post in the thread, and saw your username, I kinda assumed you were.

And don't assume that just because you've talked online for 3 years, that there might not be something there when you meet in person. You never know what might happen.

Good luck!

[joelovesapple]

What he said, You'll find there are a bunch of us here (it is an Apple forum after all:))

As for "PcBgone" I don't think his post was meant to be mean, he was just genuinely curious. I mean after I read your first post in the thread, and saw your username, I kinda assumed you were.

And don't assume that just because you've talked online for 3 years, that there might not be something there when you meet in person. You never know what might happen.

Good luck!

Thanks Todd,

Just curious though, how did you guess by looking at my name? It's fairly generic I would have thought, for an Apple fan. (Well I was big time in the days I was getting my first Mac, hence that name I used to sign up) and that was before I really told anyone...

Does that make any sense? :o And nope, I won't assume anything otherwise I'd be making an ASS out of UME :P (yoo emm eee)

[drlunanerd]

Yeah come on Todd, what is this euphemism you're alluding to? ;)
in all honesty I have no idea

[joelovesapple]

Yeah come on Todd, what is this euphemism you're alluding to? ;)
in all honesty I have no idea

Somebody please explain what's going on in everyones heads with regard to this thread - I make a normal enough (or attempt to) thread with a decent question and then several posts down people are thinking (and right) that i'm gay... I can't see it or maybe I'm just blind.


:confused:

[leekohler]

Somebody please explain what's going on in everyones heads with regard to this thread - I make a normal enough (or attempt to) thread with a decent question and then several posts down people are thinking (and right) that i'm gay... I can't see it or maybe I'm just blind.


:confused:

I knew it in your first post joe, I was just waiting for you to say it. Straight guys don't talk about other guys like you talked about your friend. Straight guys don't talk to other guys on line for three years and then say they're "excited" or "nervous" about meeting them in the way that you did. You sounded like you were gushing over the guy.

We all picked up on it right away, hence why everyone thought it was a date. You left clues all over the place. :) It's no big deal.

[drlunanerd]

Somebody please explain what's going on in everyones heads with regard to this thread - I make a normal enough (or attempt to) thread with a decent question and then several posts down people are thinking (and right) that i'm gay... I can't see it or maybe I'm just blind.

:confused:

I honestly didn't think you were gay (at first); I think it just came across as being quite a sweet thread and when peeps knew you were a guy meeting another guy they made an assumption. You could just as easily have been a young straight kid or otherwise someone who hasn't experienced meeting up with an online buddy.
I am in a silly mood today though so please don't take anything I might post as vaguely serious :)

[drlunanerd]

I knew it in your first post joe, I was just waiting for you to say it.

Can I have this as my sig? Sounds like a line straight from a golden-age romantic movie ;)

honestly if these kids get together it'll go down as a classic thread

[leekohler]

Can I have this as my sig? Sounds like a line straight from a golden-age romantic movie ;)

honestly if these kids get together it'll go down as a classic thread

Sure! As long as you give me credit for it. :)

[todd2000]

Thanks Todd,

Just curious though, how did you guess by looking at my name? It's fairly generic I would have thought, for an Apple fan. (Well I was big time in the days I was getting my first Mac, hence that name I used to sign up) and that was before I really told anyone...

Does that make any sense? :o And nope, I won't assume anything otherwise I'd be making an ASS out of UME :P (yoo emm eee)

Yeah come on Todd, what is this euphemism you're alluding to? ;)
in all honesty I have no idea


What I meant was, looking at your first post it was obvious as Lee said that you were gushing over this guy. At first I figured maybe you were a female, but your username "joelovesapple" implied that you were a guy. So you put two and two together and you get "gay" as the case may be. :)

[Chrismcfall]

Theres an ace pub around the corner from Derby station you could go to :D

[drlunanerd]

Theres an ace pub around the corner from Derby station you could go to :D

Or Rock City in Nottingham! :cool:

[Chrismcfall]

Or Rock City in Nottingham! :cool:

I'd say thats a bit different from the brunswick, which is a massively "real" pub :D

[PcBgone]

I knew it in your first post joe, I was just waiting for you to say it. Straight guys don't talk about other guys like you talked about your friend. Straight guys don't talk to other guys on line for three years and then say they're "excited" or "nervous" about meeting them in the way that you did. You sounded like you were gushing over the guy.

We all picked up on it right away, hence why everyone thought it was a date. You left clues all over the place. :) It's no big deal.

No offense was intended by my post. I simply said what I did to get you to step up and admit it. I personally dont agree with that lifestyle. Its my beliefs. I dont condone nor condemn you. You are who you are. I hate when people tippy toe around to be Politically Correct. Dont worry what other people think of you. Just be you.

With that said, what Leekohler says above is exactly how I picked up on it. No straight guy talks about getting nervous about meeting a "friend". Hes just another guy to have a beer with, nothing nervous about it. Unless you have other intentions.

Some call me a religious nut, that Im ignorant. But I can read between the lines and put 2 and 2 together.

All in all relax, know who you are, and enjoy yourself.

[arkitect]

Straight guys don't talk to other guys on line for three years and then say they're "excited" or "nervous" about meeting them in the way that you did.

Classic! :)

I keep imagining how it's going to be (in a good sense) and what it will be like once I get off the train; what the weather will be like and how busy it will be and what it will be like when we meet for the very first time.

Ahh, the smoking gun. ;)
:D
Good luck and have fun!

But I can read between the lines and put 2 and 2 together.
You sir are that rare animal: Straight with Gaydar…
:D

[joelovesapple]

I knew it in your first post joe, I was just waiting for you to say it. Straight guys don't talk about other guys like you talked about your friend. Straight guys don't talk to other guys on line for three years and then say they're "excited" or "nervous" about meeting them in the way that you did. You sounded like you were gushing over the guy.

We all picked up on it right away, hence why everyone thought it was a date. You left clues all over the place. :) It's no big deal.

Ok I see your points now (how on earth do I quote multiple people though? :confused:).

I don't know how to explain it, maybe I am gushing over him I do not know but we just get on so brilliantly together online. I know though that there is definitely nothing between us two - I'm not 'super fit' or anything and I think he goes for the 'cute' look.

Argh! Can't put what I want to say into words. I apologise if I went a little bit OTT with this whole thing, I honestly had no idea it'd be a 3-pager. :eek:

Pcbgone, that's fair enough what you said and I appreciate it. I apologise for misreading what you said before. I also like that you're honest but not everybody accepts gay people which is fair enough - just as long as we can all get on together here. :)

Also thanks for the pub suggestions, what is the pub from around the corner of the station called?

Another reason I was quite wordy is because as I may've said already, it is a new experience to me and in all honesty, I don't tend to travel very far at all so I would be nervous about it. (to me 2 hours on a train is quite far).

This is turning out a bit... differently to how I'd imagined... I think all that has needed to be said has been said. I'm sure in a few months you'll have all forgotten about this anyways.

It's been good to see some really decent people on these boards, I'll give you that. :)

[arkitect]

Ok I see your points now (how on earth do I quote multiple people though? :confused:).

Like this:
Just click on the multi quote button next to each post you want to quote… then on the final one you hit the main quote button.

[joelovesapple]

Ok, thanks. You learn something every day. :)

[schizoidwoman]

Just wanted to wade in on the third page(!) and wish you all the very best for your meeting!

I've made a few really good friends online and I met my husband on a classic horror movie forum so whether it be friend or romance, don't worry too much in advance, just enjoy yourself on the day.

[EvanLugh]

Go into town for a drink, Slug & Lettuce, vines and vaults would be a great spot to chat and even grab some nice food.
Weather will be rubbish, no change there..

[JLatte]

Hey Joe,

I know it's a bit late into the conversation, but just wanted to give my input:

Back in 6th grade I somehow randomly received a chat from a girl over AIM. After speaking to her for a bit, we continuously spoke every day, just about stupid things, here and there. A couple of years later we actually for the first time called each other over the phone, and at first it was just slightly awkward, but we laughed it off, and still chatted over AIM. Years later, we started speaking every other day on the phone, and then every day.

When she came out to California to visit her family, I took a train up to visit her (I was 16 then). We met in person for the first time, and actually had an amazing time hanging out in Santa Barbara. There was absolutely no love interest or anything, just a bizare mutual friendship. Now I'm 24 (she's 23). She's my best friend in the entire world, and it's very strange that I would have never thought something like this could happen. Even though we grew up on opposite sides of the country, we've spoken to each other almost every day. When we both get busy, weeks go by, and then we catch up from one of us randomly calling the other, and when we speak it's as though we never missed a day of chatting.

We never use AIM anymore, but we always call each other. We've met up several times in person by this point, I have a girlfriend I've been with for 5 years now, but my mine and my friend's relationship has never gotten in the way, as it's strictly a platonic relationship, and it always has been.

I know these things sometimes seem strange, especially to people that have never had this situation, but you never know, sometimes it could just be your best friend waiting. By the way, she's the only person I ever really spoke to on AIM. I know my situation is unique, but I just wanted to share my story, I hope yours works out just as great.

[joelovesapple]

Just wanted to wade in on the third page(!) and wish you all the very best for your meeting!

I've made a few really good friends online and I met my husband on a classic horror movie forum so whether it be friend or romance, don't worry too much in advance, just enjoy yourself on the day.

Thanks:) Encouraging words there.

Go into town for a drink, Slug & Lettuce, vines and vaults would be a great spot to chat and even grab some nice food.
Weather will be rubbish, no change there..

Cheers Evan, much appreciated. :cool:

Hey Joe,

I know it's a bit late into the conversation, but just wanted to give my input:

Back in 6th grade I somehow randomly received a chat from a girl over AIM. After speaking to her for a bit, we continuously spoke every day, just about stupid things, here and there. A couple of years later we actually for the first time called each other over the phone, and at first it was just slightly awkward, but we laughed it off, and still chatted over AIM. Years later, we started speaking every other day on the phone, and then every day.

When she came out to California to visit her family, I took a train up to visit her (I was 16 then). We met in person for the first time, and actually had an amazing time hanging out in Santa Barbara. There was absolutely no love interest or anything, just a bizare mutual friendship. Now I'm 24 (she's 23). She's my best friend in the entire world, and it's very strange that I would have never thought something like this could happen. Even though we grew up on opposite sides of the country, we've spoken to each other almost every day. When we both get busy, weeks go by, and then we catch up from one of us randomly calling the other, and when we speak it's as though we never missed a day of chatting.

We never use AIM anymore, but we always call each other. We've met up several times in person by this point, I have a girlfriend I've been with for 5 years now, but my mine and my friend's relationship has never gotten in the way, as it's strictly a platonic relationship, and it always has been.

I know these things sometimes seem strange, especially to people that have never had this situation, but you never know, sometimes it could just be your best friend waiting. By the way, she's the only person I ever really spoke to on AIM. I know my situation is unique, but I just wanted to share my story, I hope yours works out just as great.

That is very encouraging stuff and quite sweet too. You're right, you never know. Sometimes I just cannot believe the power of the Internet - like your story and yesterday, though rather different, everybody grouping up to take down the bastard for abusing his cat. It goes a long way. I never once would've thought that an internet chat could lead to this. I was referred to my friend thru another I met on a Sims 2 forum when I was younger and into games. :D Its funny how stuff transpires.

General note:

I was also a bit nervy and excited because I don't have many friends in my area now - they all departed to go to Uni so I have just 2 people I am friendly with in real life, apart from when uni friends see me which is not often mostly because we do not have that much in common. Maybe I'm just a desperate loner who spends too much time on the computer. :p


Thanks again everyone, nice to hear your words of pisitivity. :):o

[EvanLugh]

No Worries, Standing Order (opposite Slug and lettuce, Vaults) is also an impressive bar - probably a must. Ask your friend, if he doesn't know it's near the Big Screen on Sadlergate.

[joelovesapple]

No Worries, Standing Order (opposite Slug and lettuce, Vaults) is also an impressive bar - probably a must. Ask your friend, if he doesn't know it's near the Big Screen on Sadlergate.

Where's the best place in the Westfield centre then, in your opinion for eating?

[EvanLugh]

Where's the best place in the Westfield centre then, in your opinion for eating?

Hm personally, Nandos & Pizza Express. But there are plenty of Fast food options like Burger King, KFC, Hey Potatoe and Hey Fish.

See here (http://www.westfieldderby.co.uk/) for westfield's website and restaurants.

[joelovesapple]

Thanks again. You seem to be an expert - do you work in the tourist office? :p

[EvanLugh]

Nope, I've lived and in Derby all my life :o

(although regularly visit my other pad in london)

[joelovesapple]

Hey everyone,

Sorry to drag this post up from the dead but I'll be going to Derby tomorrow and may have some pics to put up, if I have the guts! I'll definitely let everyone know how it went if people would like that. :)

*is really quite looking forward to this now* :p :o

[leekohler]

Hey everyone,

Sorry to drag this post up from the dead but I'll be going to Derby tomorrow and may have some pics to put up, if I have the guts! I'll definitely let everyone know how it went if people would like that. :)

*is really quite looking forward to this now* :p :o

Please do, Joe. Can't wait to hear how it goes!

[63dot]

Facebook opened up a connection who owns a gallery. So they emailed me and we met sometime later and while the art didn't get into that gallery, I made a possible connection with another from an art dealer that happened to be there.

I think for self employed people who sell products, online connections are a must these days.

[theoldGP]

Good luck! Sorry to randomly intrude here, but I read all the posts. Don't worry and just have fun. I, too, would be excited and nervous. =] Let us know how it goes!

[joelovesapple]

Good luck! Sorry to randomly intrude here, but I read all the posts. Don't worry and just have fun. I, too, would be excited and nervous. =] Let us know how it goes!

No problem, feel free! It is a public forum, after all :).

And Lee, I shall indeed let you know how it goes.

I totally agree about the power of the internet and how it does the last sort of thing you'd expect.

Once I was new to the internet, and I can honestly say I never thought it would lead to this... ever.

[EvanLugh]

No problem, feel free! It is a public forum, after all :).

And Lee, I shall indeed let you know how it goes.

I totally agree about the power of the internet and how it does the last sort of thing you'd expect.

Once I was new to the internet, and I can honestly say I never thought it would lead to this... ever.

I am going to stalk you.



haha just kidding, hope it goes well and we have non of this hail again :)

[joelovesapple]

And I do hope you're joking.


Seriously.

You're creeping me out just a tad, and if I catch any stalkers or any suspicious people near me I swear to God I'll hurt them.

Ta. :)

[LeahM]

Just barging in a bit, my apologies, but.. you may want to tell your online friend that you could possibly have a stalker on your hands and to help you watch out for a Mr. Evan. :p only kidding.

I've only met two people through online and it was to buy something so they weren't friends.

[EvanLugh]

And I do hope you're joking.


Seriously.

You're creeping me out just a tad, and if I catch any stalkers or any suspicious people near me I swear to God I'll hurt them.

Ta. :)

You'll hurt me? Haha! It's my job to look out for people ;) You might actually notice me now, hehe.

[Inked]

Just read through the thread and wanted to wish you good luck for tomorrow, hope you have a great time.

[joelovesapple]

You'll hurt me? Haha! It's my job to look out for people ;) You might actually notice me now, hehe.

Policeman?:confused:

[Eanair]

*smiles*

Anything can happen.

I met a guy online at a forum, and we talked for several years before we exchanged pictures and tried phone chats. I eventually met him in person, we hit it off, and I expect that a proposal may happen in December. :) Upon meeting him the first time, because we had been talking online for so long, it just felt like re-connecting with a long lost friend.

Oh, yeah, he's English and I'm American, and yes, we've kept it up for years with several thousand miles between us.

Even if you're just meeting up as friends, use common sense and be safe.

[iBlue]

*smiles*

Anything can happen.

I met a guy online at a forum, and we talked for several years before we exchanged pictures and tried phone chats. I eventually met him in person, we hit it off, and I expect that a proposal may happen in December. :) Upon meeting him the first time, because we had been talking online for so long, it just felt like re-connecting with a long lost friend.

Oh, yeah, he's English and I'm American, and yes, we've kept it up for years with several thousand miles between us.

Even if you're just meeting up as friends, use common sense and be safe.

Sounds somewhat familiar. :)

<- is an american married to an englishman

[joelovesapple]

Sorry this is late coming.

I had an absolutely SUPERB day in Derby! My friend was indeed very awesome and we just clicked - pure and simple. I was pretty nervous before arriving but oddly enough the journey there took hardly any time at all, even though really it was 2 hours to get there.

I got shown round all the highlights of the city and the Westfield centre is really good. :D

I wish I could do it again, like right now as I'm missing him loads :o:(. (No interest in that sense but nevermind, I like what we have got - good friendship.

We also ended up going to see Slumdog Millionaire which was quite harrowing but good. Quite tense in parts but it had a happy ending.:)

When it was time for me to go it was really difficult - once I was on the train I tried to find a seat and he was on the platform 'following' me. I soon found a seat and we started texting each other. He had his iPod on (4th gen Nano. blue) :D I was starting to get a bit tearful :(. He said he was going to have to wave me off with a white hanky, whatever that means. :o I asked him what he was listening to and it was a song I gifted to him through iTunes :D.

I was very happy that I did it overall. Thanks for the interest!

[leekohler]

Oh- how nice! Good for you, joe!

[joelovesapple]

Thanks! I forgot to label the photo - which do you think is me? :D

[leekohler]

Thanks! I forgot to label the photo - which do you think is me? :D

From what you've said before, I assumed you were the one on the left.

[joelovesapple]

Correct! :) Sadly.

[leekohler]

Correct! :) Sadly.

Joe- if there are changes about your appearance you'd like to make, that's fine. But please take care not to come down so hard on yourself.

[EvanLugh]

Nice! OOH I hope you didn't go to the Westfield's cinema, the prices are extortionate! Glad you sorted it all out and got along fine, it's an amazing story tbh. *wonders if you saw me*. :D

[Eanair]

Sounds somewhat familiar. :)

<- is an american married to an englishman

:)

There's hope for me yet!

[Eanair]

And glad to hear that it went fantastically!! :)

Good for you!

[AngryApple]

You're friend is pretty cute. Sorry for chiming in like that.

Anyway, I would never think about meeting someone in real life that I met online. It would be creepy, IMO. And I'd be extremely nervous and stuff.

I'm glad to hear you had a good time.