These days, most of our relationships and friendships have some kind of online aspect to them. After all, it’s highly unlikely that you never text your significant other, or don’t see your friends’ Facebook updates. But that’s okay because you likely see them in person as well.
Navigating a relationship or friendship that exists solely online is another story, however. But online relationships – whether romantic or platonic – are becoming more and more popular.
This is because technology is constantly advancing, making it easier to connect with people from a distance. Of course, the pandemic has also had an effect on how many people are taking their relationships online.
That being said, it does still have its challenges. If you are involved in online dating or you have an online friendship, you might be struggling to navigate and manage it. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Do your research
One thing about online dating that scares people off is the idea of catfishing. This is understandable since it must be horrible to build a relationship with someone, only to realize that they aren’t who they say they are.
That’s why it’s so important to do your research on someone, and try to make sure that you aren’t being scammed. Having video calls can be a good way for them to prove who they say they are.
Looking at their social media can also be helpful. Websites like Truthfinder can also help you research online dates. This is especially important to do if you are meeting up with them.
Be understanding
First of all, it’s important to note that online friendships are real and valid. Just because you haven’t met someone doesn’t mean you can’t have a relationship with them.
That being said, it’s just as important to remember that your partner or friend has a life outside of the internet. Sometimes, they may not be able to reply because their day was too busy. While you may feel hurt and jealous, you need to be understanding of this fact, since you would want them to do the same.
Choose the right apps
If you already have an established online friendship or relationship, it’s a good idea to pick the right app for you to communicate on. Ideally, it would be an app that works well for both of you – some apps may not be available in certain countries, for example.
If you’re just starting your journey into the online world, then you need to pick a way for you to meet people. Sometimes, these relationships happen organically – someone may message you on Instagram, and it will grow from there.
Other times, however, you will need to download an app specifically for the purpose of meeting people. There are plenty of online dating apps out there, so you are sure to find one that works for you. While online dating can be challenging, it certainly has its upsides as well.
Be careful
Unfortunately, many people who think that they have met their best friend or soulmate online end up getting hurt or scammed. No matter how well you think you know someone, you still need to be careful on the internet.
This is especially important when it comes to money, personal information, or anything that can be used against you. You need to be very careful with what you share online. Don’t send money to anyone you haven’t met in person, no matter how long you have been talking to them.
Also, don’t tell them your address – if you ever do meet up, it can be in a public space. On top of that, be very cautious about sending intimate photos of yourself on the internet, since they can be leaked.
Pay attention to the time difference
The great thing about people that you know online is that you can form a relationship with them no matter where they live. So, even if they live very far from you, you can still have a meaningful relationship with them.
Unfortunately, this is also a downside. Firstly, because it will make it much harder for you to see them. And secondly, because the time difference can be a problem.
It can be hard to maintain a friendship if you’re always sleeping when they are awake and vice versa. Having an app that helps you with time differences can make sure that you don’t accidentally call them in the middle of the night.
Communicate
While many people think that online friendships and relationships are easier to navigate than those we have in person, the opposite is often true.
When you don’t see someone all the time, you may start to have feelings of doubt or jealousy. After all, there’s no way of really knowing what they do when they aren’t talking to you. Just as with any other relationships, online relationships and friendships require communication in order to succeed.
If you’re feeling any negative feelings, or you have any doubts, you need to discuss them with the other person.
Make time
When it comes to in-person friendships, they are generally much easier to maintain than online ones. That’s because they tend to require less effort. Online friendships, however, require a certain degree of planning.
If you don’t make time for your online friend or partner, your relationship will likely fail. It’s much easier to forget about a relationship if you don’t constantly see the person.
A good starting point is to schedule a weekly video call and to try and make that call no matter what. You will need some type of time management skills to make your online friendships and relationships work.
Online friendships and relationships may have downsides, but they can be incredibly rewarding if done right. There used to be a stigma surrounding online relationships, but nowadays, people are much more accepting.
While it can be frustrating to never be able to see someone in person, online relationships are just as valid as any other ones. As long as you are safe, there is no reason not to go for it.