Awhile ago I met a guy while playing a card game online. I'm not one for meeting people online because I've heard to many bad things but he was nice enough. We chatted casually for about 6 months and it never went any further. We sort of lost contact for about a year and then out of the blue he sends me an email to let me know he was thinking of me and to see how I was doing.

Things have progressed slowly and now we are to the point where I think I want to meet him in real life. He is coming to where I live for work and he wants to meet. I'm really not sure what to do. I visit your site from time to time for a good laugh. I love your worst pick up lines. So I thought I would write and ask what you think.

He's such an amazing guy. We have such a great connection online. But will it translate to the real world? I can sit and play cards with this guy for hours and hours and our conversation never seems to end. He always seems to know the perfect thing to say. I just don't know what to do.

I think that every person who asks a question like this already knows the answer, they just want someone else to tell them what to do so they can have someone else to blame if it goes bad. You know you want to meet him or you wouldn't have gone through so much effort to write me. So why don't you do it? What's the hesitation?

Now that aside let's go over some basics. BE SAFE! No matter what, never EVER EVER EVER EVER go to a place where you will be alone with this guy. You may have known him ON-LINE for years but that doesn't mean you really know him. People can say anything they want but that doesn't make it true. I could tell you I'm a 6 foot tall super model but it doesn't mean I am. ^^ Looks aside, you just don't know this guy well enough to put your life in danger, so don't ever be alone with him. Meet him in a public place - NOT HIS HOTEL BAR! Meet him at a restaurant or if you must a bar but not the one in his hotel.

I have also found that people who meet someone on-line for the first time find they rarely know what to say despite having endless online conversations with the person so prepare some things in advance to talk about .... His family, your family, school, current events, his job, your job, sports, etc. Just avoid any negative conversations. Keep anything you talk about on a positive note. Don't be a negative Nancy and NEVER EVER EVER talk about your ex anything. Whether you know the guy or not, first dates can be awkward for anyone so before you go prepare at least ten different things to talk about.

My final advice to you is, if you like this guy don't have any sexual relations with him. Let the relationship progress more than just your first date before moving on. Nothing will turn a guy off faster than a girl who doesn't have enough self respect and won't wait. Sure he'll like you right now but what about tomorrow? If you want to see this relationship go further than trust me on this one thing .... DO NOT HAVE SEX WITH HIM! If you want him around for more than this one date, you'll wait.

Good luck, have fun and most of all remember to RELAX! It's just a date.