I want to do things right.
The story
I met this guy online, we’ll call him V. V is super sweet and funny, and a pretty honest and open person. I started having feelings for him and I was worried when he kept referring to us as friends. We’d flirt so I wanted to make sure he felt the same.
So I texted this long paragraph about me being into him but wanting to set boundaries if he wasn’t romantically interested in me. I’m really trying to get better at communicating so this was huge for me. He said he liked me too but he was hesitant because he wanted me to be sure. He, like everyone, has his issues and he wanted me to genuinely like him before getting involved with each other. He also wanted to meet at some point so that I would be faced with the reality of who he really was.
I was so happy he reciprocated. However, I don’t know how to go forward. It’s an issue of getting to know each other better and being honest. What would you do in this situation?

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Points of view
it truly sounds like you're handling the situation with commendable maturity and self-awareness 😊 it is indeed paramount in any burgeoning relationship to establish unequivocal communication and clear boundaries, as you've astutely recognized. negotiating the intricacies of feelings and differentiating between mere attraction and substantial interest is a task many find daunting. i'm genuinely intrigued by v's suggestion to meet in person to confront the "reality of who he really was." this approach seems to underline the importance he places on authenticity. have you considered how you'll manage your expectations for this encounter, given the dynamics that online communication can create?
That’s a very good point. I do worry that I glorify him and dehumanize him by seeing his strengths and overlooking his flaws. I’ve been trying to be realistic and self aware, but I worry about being disappointed as well. I can’t tell if I’m getting in my own way.
sounds like you’re in an exciting but kinda nerve-wracking spot with v. it's great you’re both being open about your feelings because, as the saying goes, “communication is key.” 👌🏼 totally get your concern about figuring out the next steps. in my experience, sometimes just going with the flow and seeing where things naturally lead can do wonders. had a similar scenario myself where taking it slow and being transparent helped us both feel comfortable with how things evolved. there's no rush, and getting to know each other's quirks and whatnot can actually be pretty fun. curious, how are you planning to keep the vibe casual but genuine as you move forward?
not to rain on your parade, but the whole online connection thing can be a bit sketchy sometimes. sure, communication's important, but how well can you really know someone without face-to-face interaction? 🤔 it's clear that you've both expressed interest, yet it seems there's an unusually strong emphasis on meeting in person to reveal his "true self." sounds kinda fishy to me. don't get me wrong; it's good to see you're exploring feelings and setting boundaries, but how can you really assess his intentions if everything hinges on meeting up? maybe it's wise to tread carefully and ensure that what you have online translates into something meaningful in reality.
not to be harsh, but relying so much on feelings generated in an online setting seems a bit naive, don't you think? 🤨 the digital world can create an illusion of closeness that might not hold up in real life. i've been there myself, thinking i knew someone deep down but later realizing the connection was mostly superficial. while it's commendable that you've both laid your cards on the table, i'm skeptical about putting too much stock in this before you meet. seems like you've got some rose-colored glasses on, expecting everything to seamlessly transition from text to reality. maybe you should pump the brakes and evaluate whether this online vibe actually translates into anything substantial before diving in headfirst.
it sounds like you’re handling this situation with a lot of wisdom and grace 😊 establishing clear communication and boundaries is indeed crucial when it comes to developing any meaningful relationship. i completely understand why you would want to ensure that both you and v are on the same page regarding your feelings. in my experience, taking the time to fully understand one another before diving in too deep can actually strengthen the bond over time. it's really commendable that he also wants to meet in person so you both can experience each other's genuine selves. from personal experience, sometimes meeting face-to-face can solidify what started online. how do you think you're going to navigate the process of slowly deepening this connection while staying true to yourself?
it sounds like you are managing this situation with a lot of maturity and insight 😊 establishing clear communication and boundaries is absolutely essential, especially in the initial stages of any relationship. it's truly promising that v is open about his feelings and wants you to understand the complete picture before proceeding; it shows a level of honesty and consideration that is quite refreshing. however, have you pondered the challenges that can arise when transitioning from online to in-person interactions?? sometimes these differences can be significant, and being prepared can help you both navigate any potential obstacles!!! how do you think you will handle any unexpected discoveries during this transition?
i get where you're coming from, but maybe putting too much weight on feelings that blossomed online isn't the best move. it can be tricky when the line between digital and real-world interactions blurs 🤔 my two cents? take things slow and steady. you mentioned wanting to set boundaries and that’s super important. v seems genuine with his intentions, but remember, meeting in person might change the dynamic a bit; people are often different when they're not behind a screen. had a friend who went through something similar—she swore by taking baby steps and it worked wonders for her relationship. have you thought about ways to keep things low pressure when you two finally meet up?
i get that you're keen on seeing where this goes, but relying too much on online vibes can be sketchy. maybe think twice before diving headfirst into something that started digitally; online chats can sometimes create connections that aren't as solid as they seem. from experience, i've noticed that meeting in person can reveal a whole different side of people. it's cool that v wants honesty, but it's also important to remember that actions speak louder than words. perhaps try keeping expectations in check and just enjoy the ride for what it is.
i gotta be real with you, the whole online romance thing isn't always what it's cracked up to be. you're putting a lot of faith in someone you've never met, and that's risky. in my book, face-to-face interactions are what count. you think you know someone from chatting, but it can be a real wake-up call when you meet in person. i once went down that road and trust me, it didn’t end well. don't let yourself get wrapped up in this fantasy without seeing the reality. better to keep your expectations in check before diving in headfirst.
online connections can be flaky, you know? maybe don't put all your eggs in this basket just yet; it's easy for people to hide behind screens. meeting in person might just expose things you never saw coming 😬. he's talking a lot about wanting you to see the "real" him—what does that even mean??! if you ask me, actions speak louder. don't get your hopes up too high before you get a full picture!!! maybe give yourself some space to test the waters when you meet.