It is quite obvious you haven't, otherwise you would know that they have no physical relationship. Anne's going to college next year, and regardless of the fact that she will continue to have the internet and be able to talk to me, I feel almost as if I'm losing her because she'll be another five hours away. Don't pretend to think that one can't have a relationship over the internet. Don't pretend to think that the emotions aren't real. Don't pretend to think that if Ryan hurts lily, I won't track him down to kick his ass because of the feelings I have for his girlfriend that make me think of her like a little sister whom I'll as best I can at this distance; or that he'd do the same if I hurt Anne.
Oh really? I've not heard of a long-distance relationship? Please. They have a basis in reality initially, and thus have a physical connection -- even if later, the couple seperates because of work, school, etc, becoming "long distance." Most long distance relationships begin in real life, and have that real physical connection, then are later turned into what they are.

If you're sick of people thinking you're playing around with your internet relationship you better get counselling, because while the notion has slowly begun to reverse, it is a common taboo to "date" someone over the internet, or indeed even to meet people that way. So, you're going to have to deal with the societal reprecussions of carrying out such a relationship, whether you like it or not. You chose this sort of thing, now deal with it.

You might have a relationship with Anne, which is very nice for the both of you, but without some form of real-life basis for either of you, it becomes little more than a game, or sport, and some point or another. Perhaps you don't think so now, but if the two of you are only able to continue it via online, it will eventually stagnate, and break apart. As well as you know someone's online persona -- even if it is the real them -- you never really know someone until you interact with them in life.

I never said your relationship wasn't real, but it's not quite what you'd like it to be. Not yet, anyway.


Beware the Groove