I have met a few in person. The meetings, arising out of extended exchanges of emails, were excellent times of real fellowship because you were finally with someone who has experienced the same struggles as you; for a change you aren't worrying about being condemned when your eyes follow the cute boy as you're walking down the street, the knowing exchanged giggle when the cute boy waiter has finished taking your order at the restaurant. You have no idea how liberating that is until you've experienced it...

Sadly none of those I've met live close to me, so I have no regular contact IRL. But the net provides the possibility of maintaining a close relationship, for which I am very grateful.

So yes, I would encourage us to be open to the possibility, although only after a friendship has developed on line - early pressure for a meeting is definitely a red light. If in doubt don't, and of course all the usual rules about meeting people off the internet apply (meet in a public place, tell someone where you are going etc ). But I do want to emphasis it's a great thing when it does go well, so be open to the possibility.