REAL LIFE

Love Over the Internet

By Arushi, age 20, India

I have been allured since the day he introduced himself. I was mystified by his name, his different culture and background. I looked forward to talking to him daily, and just his name made my heart jump. We talked about everything - from love and friendship to global warming and soccer. Then one fine day he told me that he loved me. And I loved him back. And since that day, nine years have passed, and there has been no looking back. Our bond has grown stronger, and our love for each other deeper.

I can't wait to see our future; I can't wait to see him.

Love over the internet. Falling for someone you have never seen.

He lives in the United States of America, I live in India ... Miles separate us, but I know our hearts are together, love binds them as one.

This is my true story, and also of the many who thank Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the internet) for the love of their lives.

So how effective or not are these relationships over wires?

In my case, extremely.

Every morning I wake up to see a 'Good morning' in my inbox, and throughout the day many emails of 'I miss you' or 'I love you.' He calls, he texts, he uplifts my mood, he makes me happy, and we have our share of fights. Isn't that how a real relationship works?

Then why the cynicism? The internet may have many pedophiles and axe-slayers, but when you're sane enough, of course there are other people like you out there.

Not everybody seeks romance - some seek friendship, and for some it is a different experience. For me, it was the pure excitement of the World Wide Web.

So how do you manage a relationship online?

1. Ensure that it's love.
2. Ask him how he feels.
3. Decide how much the 'distances' matter, and how you will cope up with it.
4. If there's a time difference, try being accommodating, and expect him to be the same.
5. Decide to name your relationship: 'friends', 'boyfriend-girlfriend', 'exclusive', 'open relationship,' etc.
6. Be loyal. Temptations arise, but losing somebody as special to temporary pleasures is foolish.
7. Give each other time.
8. Love.


Many internet romances flourish and bloom into loving marriages and long term commitments. Many don't. It depends on how well you can learn to adjust to the new concept, to the new techniques of love.

In the earlier times, when love could thrive between 'pen friends', then why not over the internet, which is faster and more convenient?

I cherish the man on the other end of the 'www'. The one whose name fills my inbox and sent box. The one who makes me smile. The one who promises me a future. The one I have never met, but still love.


I may not get to see you as often as I'd like.
I may not get to hold you in my arms through the night.
But deep in my heart I truly know,
Distances don't matter; I'll never let you go.


Love knows no boundaries, and even if it did, the internet dissolves all of them. I say, give it a try.

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