However, when words are your only communication, there is both safety and vulnerability. We are more likely to open up and be truly honest without fear of seeing rejection and condemnation in the eyes of our companion.
But we also have to work harder at the tone of our written "voice" in case it is read wrong. We must learn to question calmly where we are offended or hurt, as the fault may be in our own misunderstanding of an innocent remark. We can bare our souls a little more comfortably, in most cases, and truly learn to love the heart of each other, whether we are just friends, or something more.
But we are wide open to hurt and pain, because measured words are not always truth. Any insult can be a thousand times more hurtful if one has dared to strip one's heart of barriers, and found out that their friend/lover has been lying to them all along. This is true in real life, but just as, if not more, cutting in cyberspace. Cyberspace has its own timescale. Minutes are hours online, days are weeks. Those who have experienced it know what I mean. We can fall harder and faster online than ever we would dare in real life.
We must be cautious, slow to act and discerning. But we must also be reckless, daring and confident. I have friends and family who have found their life partners through being penpals or building online relationships. It can happen, and be wonderful. I have met some very close, wonderful friends this way, as well as some very nasty people. Just like real life.
And the amount of waffle I have just splashed across the post is why I don't chat much. Sorry.






