Don’t get caught in an email avalanche.

I am truly astonished by the number of online dating participants who confess to engaging in what amounts to email-only relationships that can last for weeks, months, or even years only to have the as-yet-unspoken-to virtual pen pal admit to having an undesirable living circumstance such as being married, divorced but living with a former spouse, being incarcerated or living in a significantly different location than that listed on the profile.  Several people have told me that they have even given money to those with whom they’ve never actually spoken only to have the recipient completely disappear after having received the funds. 

Simply stated, if you’re serious about meeting someone special, do not engage in a lengthy email correspondence no matter what reason/excuse the person on the other end may offer up. 

Generally speaking, all things being equal, you should progress to a telephone conversation after no more than 10 email exchanges.

If the person with whom you are corresponding resists or deflects your suggestion that you continue your conversation via the telephone, be gracious of course, but cut her/him loose.

Mark