I met a girl online and we've had a very close internet-phone relationship for years. She is flying down and wants to meet. We don't know what each other looks like. How should I go about meeting her?

Answer 1

Out of curiosity, if you two have been in contact for years, why haven't you ever sent photos or webcams to each other? This is something to suggest to your friend prior to meeting, as it helps both of you to know what the person you're planning on meeting looks like.

Ask to meet her for coffee or lunch at a restaurant or other public place. Don't invite her to your home until you actually get acquainted in real life. Invite a family member or friend to come along, or, at the least, let someone know where you'll be and who you will be meeting. Always be cautious; some online friends turn out to have a markedly different appearance, age or even gender than their description. If this turns out to be the case, leave immediately.

Likewise, it's not a bad idea to have someone phone or text you during the meeting to check up on things; at the worst, if you don't wish to spend any more time with this person, you can always claim something has come up and make your excuses to leave.