Hello rcat: I don't know if I have any great insights to share with you. I think allot of us who are on-line are in one way or another lonely. And so a large part of what we're seeking, in being on-line, is friendship. Also, since it is on-line, we don't see each others' "whole persons", so to speak, as we would if we knew each other in person, if that makes any sense. So it's easy to only see the "good stuff" not the less desirable. It's kind-of like your fantasy come true. And it can be infectious. I do think it's probably very common. Personally, I try to avoid these sorts of things because I know they are really just illusion. But I also know I am not immune. There are parts of my psychological make-up that are... how shall I say... unfulfilled. And I know, full well, that if the right person came along, on-line, the attraction would be almost irresistible. It doesn't mean that I care less for the real people in my life. On the other hand, it is certainly true, I know, that these sorts of things can get out of hand. It's a slippery slope...