The World Wide Web has become so rampant with social networking sites, dating sites, and the like, equipped with features that allow people to communicate with anyone around the world, that those who are in search of love and friendship can actually establish what is known as an online relationship, which is described basically as a relationship based on communication over the internet. Online relationships can be fun, interesting, mysterious, and more or less easier for individuals who are not that confident in handling actual personal contact with others, but despite the adventure and thrill there is always that gut feeling if whether or not it is possible to actually move from the IM window or chat room to the coffee shop or the meeting place at the mall. Many articles on relationship advice have always tackled topics about what to do if you want to make an online relationship last as well as tips on what to do if you two have decided to meet in person. Most, if not all, of these articles and e-books encourage people to meet the person on the other end of the line to be able to move on to the next level, but many tend to forget or leave this question unnoticed: If you and your online partner are unable to meet in person, is it possible for the online relationship to last if it remains within the IM window or chat room all throughout?
Can you have a relationship just in chat?
An online relationship, especially if it is between two people from different parts of the world, can be difficult to transform into a personal, long-term relationship mainly because of the distance that separates the two and the inability to actually meet the person because of either finances or other personal concerns and preferences. For example, it can’t be helped if the guy or girl has no means of paying for a plane ticket to the other side of the world just to be able to meet their online significant other. Does this mean the online relationship should be called off? Does this mean it is impossible to maintain such a relationship since everyone and every book says there has to be personal eye-to-eye contact established for the relationship to grow? The possibility of an online relationship working without personal contact can be considered, but in truth, there are a lot of problems that come with actually committing yourself exclusively to someone you’ve only met online. You may think that he or she cares or loves you with all the hearts and smiley icons to prove it, but you can’t help but wonder what is actually going on in his or her life outside of the chat room. According to many relationship experts and actual couples who have come out of an online relationship, it is virtually impossible to say that you know a person and you love everything about him or her without actually experiencing firsthand what it is like to be with him or her. You won’t ever know what ticks the person off, what he or she enjoys or despises, and the antics, behaviors, and personalities that make him or her who they are if you two will never get out of the IM window. If you can triumph over that, then you will certainly have a great relationship.
How to make it last just in chat
But of course, if you think there is a possibility for the relationship to last, it can last. It may not be possible now, but if you and your online partner share the same strong desire to finally be with one another, then it can and will eventually happen. Here are some tips to maintain the same spark and interest in your online relationship:
Keeping communication going
Communication is essential in every kind of relationship, whether they are online or offline, so make sure that you maintain the same communication that you and your partner have to keep the relationship alive. Chat, email, or do whatever you can just to keep the cyber-love intact.
Using the web to create romance
Putting a little effort once in a while, even through the IM window, can help keep the spark of the relationship longer than ever. By doing small gestures like surprising your online partner with a sweet email, an e-card for Valentine’s Day, or even a video posted just for him or her will definitely keep you two going for months.
Not obsessing over the relationship
Nurturing your online relationship is a good thing, but obsessing about it and spending all your time just to talk to him isn’t. Make sure that you know how to balance your time online as well as your time with family and friends to keep from being too clingy or too obsessive.
Not rushing anything
Last, be patient and don’t rush things just because you and your partner have the same desire to see each other. There’ll be a lot of obstacles along the way so always keep in mind that if it’s meant to be, if you two share the same feelings for one another, there will always be an opportunity sooner or later for you two to meet. Even though society might not promote it, you CAN keep a relationship going in chat for as long as you want to. You just need to remember to keep things slow, just like you would any other time
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