Just wondering what experiences anybody else has had. I have met ppl from the net twice IRL.
The first time, it was predominately one person but we met up with about 5 others. We had all met in a msg forum and I had been friends with this one girl for about a 2 years. I live in Canada. They all lived in NY state. The msg board was for a singer, we were going to a concert together. When we first laid eyes on each other, it was an incredible feeling, like seeing an old friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. We hugged immediately. We were beyond excited. I became closer with the others I met there from the same msg board. It was a totally amazing and positive experience. Without realizing it, before being dx'd, I was extremely hypomanic at the time.
The 2nd time, it was also a F, she lives in a city about 1 hr from me. I barely even knew her. It was from the same msg board. I drove to her place, picked her up and we drove together to Saginaw MI. We spent the entire weekend there and had a total blast. It was one of the best experiences of my life. We were totally reckless and carefree. Again, before I was dx'd, I was also hypomanic this time too. It really showed in my behaviour. But I couldn't of had a better time if I tried. Thank God for hypomania. It sure added to the fun.
Of course, my family worried about my physical safety of meeting someone from the net, not really knowing if they are who they had always claimed to be on the net and that I could be murdered. Funny, I never had those concerns at all. Stupidity on my part? Recklessness? The wild child in me? Being naive? I didn't have any concerns whatsoever and both turned out to be extremely positive experiences and I had awesome times both times. So much fun. Geez, where did all that fun and carefree feelings go?
Would I do it again? Yep, you betcha. Would I be concerned? Nope, not if I felt like I really knew the person. I suppose they could turn out to be not who they portray themselves as but somehow the naive part of me doesn't even buy into that possibility. It's excitement for me. It gives me a chance to release the wild child within who doesn't have a care in the world.
My wild child within is screaming to be set free. She's been buried far too long.
So, how about anybody else here. Have you met IRL somebody from the net? From what type of place on the net did you know them from, how long did you know them and what was your experience like? Did you have any concerns if they were truly who they portrayed themselves to be? Would you do it again?
My curiousity awaits your experiences.