The ghosts of dating, past, present and future

I first met someone who I considered myself to be “dating” on the internet about seven years ago. It was really intense. He was from overseas and we just, um, clicked. I’ll never forget his first phonecall. It was just like a real date … I got that same adrenalin rush at the sound of his voice. We met on the net every day for nine months, phoning each other three times a week. I was upset when it ended. I vowed I would never get so involved again - unless he lived nearby.

I have heaps of male acquaintances on the net. Some write me poetry, which is really sweet. I’m very shy around strangers. On line you can relax and just be yourself. You don’t have to let your sweaty palms get in the way of meeting new people.

Of course, some guys are only after cybersex. I like flirting but I don’t go overboard. Occasionally my friend and I get on my PC together and we’re more adventurous then but only for a laugh. It’s easy to fend weirdos off – just hit the “ignore” button. I used to be on line about three hours a night (about as long as people usually watch TV). I found it relaxing after work and it beats hanging around in a smoky bar where you can barely hear yourself think.

I’ve made great friends on the net and it’s really improved my verbal skills. The written word is back in vogue – just like in Jane Austen’s day. People are learning to put their thoughts into words openly. It can only be good.

Two years ago, I met a man on the internet who only lived 30km from home. We were married last month.