In a world where catfishing is a real (and common) thing, you’d think I’d know better than to fall for someone I’ve never seen, but that’s precisely what’s happening right now. We met online several weeks ago, and I think he may be “The One.”
- He’s a great communicator. I like to talk. Most men I’ve dated in the past did not, but this guy is different. He has the gift of gab as well and loves our engaging conversations. We can chat on the phone for long periods of time and there’s never a dull or quiet moment. Also, his communication is consistent. He’s always checking in via text or phone call. His commitment to speak to me daily is a big plus.
- We’re attracted to each other. OK, so I know what you’re thinking: How can you be so sure when you’ve never met in person? Yes, catfishing is a problem, but there’s so much technology these days to keep you from becoming a victim. Most phones and social media apps allow video calling, and we’ve taken advantage of those. So yes, I’ve “seen” him, just not with the naked eye. My attraction to him is deeper than the physical anyway. The main reason we’ve yet to meet face to face is that he works a lot, and most of that work is out of town. His drive and work ethic makes him appealing. I love his dedication to his career. In many ways, it matches my own professional drive.
- We can really laugh together. My sense of humor is a bit different than most. I laugh at just about everything, even in the most inappropriate moments. He not only gets that, he embraces it and usually laughs along with me. A relationship void of silly moments is not the one for me. Laughter is therapeutic, so I like to get some chuckles in as often as I can.
- He knows how to spell. This is a biggie for me. I’m not the grammar police, but I am a writer, so I’m attracted to men who can effectively communicate via text. I’m not looking for a guy who can break down AP style rules, I just think at some point, we should all learn the difference between “there” and “their.” He sent a text the other day using the wrong one. Within seconds he sent a correction and my heart smiled. I may sound like a complete jerk, but misspellings and mispronunciations are a total turn-off. I actually stopped dating a guy who pronounced “Louisville, Kentucky” as “Lewis-ville.” OK, so maybe I am the grammar police.
- There’s no pressure. We’re both at a point in our lives where we’re more focused on living in the now versus worrying about the future. This is why I’m able to enjoy this period between the two of us. We’re able to learn so much more about each other and enjoy our moments by really digging in. I’ve embraced this time and I don’t feel a need to push for something more. Whatever happens, happens.
- I feel like I can be myself. This may be another benefit of us never meeting in person. I’ve become completely comfortable with him. Being face to face with someone can be intimidating in the beginning, and while I know our day will eventually come, for now, it’s been wonderful to be able to communicate with him from a distance. We’re able to experience each other in our own comfort zones.
- He’s honest. It’s been that way from the beginning. In one of our first conversations, he let me know things about his life that may not have been the most ideal. Nothing he told me was a deal breaker, but I appreciated him getting everything out in the open. It showed that he wasn’t into playing games or being deceitful. He scored major points with me for being authentic.
- I’ve enjoyed my space. He was upfront about his work demands in our very first conversation. He made it clear he’d be out of town more than he was home, and honestly, that was attractive to me. I even said as much. Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace my single status, perhaps to a fault. It makes getting into a relationship a bit difficult. I enjoy spending time with myself. Because of his work schedule, I’m still able to enjoy my “me time.”
- He pays attention to details. He not only remembers what I say, he remembers why. It’s so refreshing to have him recall previous conversations and bring up things that even I’d forgotten about. He’s into me, and he shows it daily by demonstrating he’s listening and he cares.
- We’ve never met in person. Which makes me think this just may be the key for me in making a relationship work, haha. In all seriousness, I believe this time has allowed us to grow closer, more so than if we would’ve immediately had a face-to-face meeting. It’s made us both more relaxed, and it’s forced us to go beyond the surface to really get to know each other. Will it all work out once we finally meet? Only time will tell.
