chestnutcurls | in the city, city of Compton we keep it rockin'

Have you met anyone from online in person? If so, about how many people, and how did the experience(s) go? If not, would you ever consider it?

salemgirl and

calypsobard were the first online friends I ever met in real life. We had a good time. And I met

grace20 last month when she was in town helping her friend move. It was great to hang out and talk with her!

How do you feel about the first meeting with someone from online?
I felt pretty nervous when I first met Shana and Melissa, which is why I brought Ryan with me. I was less nervous meeting Lisa. I'm moderately nervous about meeting the CA gang tomorrow, too, but I know we're going to get along great and have a good time.

What advice would you give to others who are going to meet someone online for the first time?
I'm not sure. The exchanging pictures idea is good- I was glad I knew what Shana looked like before I met her, so I could find her. As it was, I was still looking intently at every blonde girl who walked in the door, to see if it was her. :)

What was your worst and best experience of meeting someone from online?
I can't decide! Both were fun.

Have you ever met someone from online for the purpose of exploring romantic possibilities?
No, and I don't ever plan to, either. No offense to you online couples. I'm just paranoid enough about guys I've known in real life for extended periods of time. Plus, my parents would both have heart attacks.

Have you ever travelled specifically to meet someone for the first time? How far?
Tomorrow I will travel 1753 miles. :)

Have you ever met someone (in person) who you met through an online dating/matchmaking service?
Nope.

What do you think about people who use dating/matchmaking services? Would you use one?
I also used to make fun of them, but I'm starting to understand what drives people to use them. Sometimes it's just hard to find someone who shares your interests in your everyday life. I don't plan to use one, since I cower in fear at the thought of relationships with strangers. But ask me again in five years and I may be tempted to try.

My parents seem much more relaxed now about my trip, which is an answer to prayer. I made a Post-it for them with my flight info and hotel phone number on it. When I went to the house yesterday, my mom shoved it in my face and shrieked, "This tells me nothing!" She wanted, like, names and cell phone numbers and an itinerary. Which I gave her, followed by a reminder that I had complied with all of her wishes about the trip, and that I felt completely assured of everyone's normalcy. Then I mentioned that we were going to Jessica's Nazarene church on Sunday, and she perked up instantly. Apparently I should have brought up the Nazarene connection long ago. Anyway, she seemed much calmer by the time I left, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about their worrying the whole time I'm gone.

I was also thinking: you know, in my parents' day a lot of people had pen pals whom they would go to meet, and no one freaked out about that. No one thought that was weird. What's the difference, really?

Anyway, everyone have fun this weekend. I know I will! :)