xMathwexx wrote:
Just to ammend my previous statement - I think relationships that are purely in game are bad ideas. I've made some great friends in game over my 4 characters and 2+ years and when we get together for some ridiculous, pointless, just for fun missions and what not it feels like hanging out with old friends, not just some online persona. These are people who I keep in touch with through email everytime I randomly decide I'm quitting FF (and then decide to come back a few months later) and whom I speak to via AIM and by other means. One or two even have my address and phone number and we send eachother cd's we recommend one another check out. I'm all for relationships in that sense, the friendly kind. It's one of the best things this game offers. Now, for romantic in-game relationships; if you're both single, in the same age range, and you're both looking for a real relationship, than there's no problem with it. If you both understand the expanses of your online relationship than it should be ok. If you both know that it's strictly role-playing than RP away. If you're both aware that the other is willing to meet people from the game in real life and is even looking for a real life significant other, possibly from in-game, than that's ok too. The big problem is when people are unclear about there intentions and one party thinks the situation to be far more serious than the other. That's when someone gets hurt.
I agree with Matt on this one. I also agree with the post right above me as well. I know a few couples that met through the game, became awesome friends and have been together over a year now seriously IRL. Some have met a few times irl and are trying to take it to the next level. But the feelings itself are indeed real, een though they met in a virtual world. A key factor is: They are ADULTS.
But do not misunderstand me- THIS IS VERY RARE. The percentage of the negatives are much higher.
I actually really don't like it when people intentionally play the game and use it for their own personal E-harmony, especially if they are adults. Some completely misrepresent themselves in order to make themselves seem a certain way when in reality that its a big faux. I have known a few, not anyone I would call a friend or even close to am acquaintance, who would lie about his marital situation and actually seek attn and flirt with "females" and attempt to get close to them irl, regardless their age. Sometimes reality is just not that great for some that they want to create a little lovefest for their avatar?
If you are kids, especially 16 and under, you have alot of things and alot of growing to do as a person and basically this is just fun and experimentation but 99.9% of the time, its not gonna last. But hey, a pipe dream is a pipe dream- aim high if thats what you want- its all part of growing up anyway right. Well... till your parents find out and might cut of the game cause your sneaking off to meet someone who turns out not to be 16 like you but in their 20's....
The ironic twist is just like Matt said- you find yourself making good friends online and other states which some do turn out to be good friends IRL, suprisingly. Some. Example, I actually really never liked Final Fantasy or knew much about it before this game. I played others in my spare time but I never got into the crystals lol. At the time I was in a serious relationship with someone we will now call the antichrist. Granted, I left that situation but I didnt leave the game or the people whom I made friends with. So I may complain and say I wasted my time on him, but in the end I have to thank him for the one thing I am grateful from him:
a few of some close friends I have made whom I value and plan to keep in touch with when I eventually leave the game. Life is strange, you never know whats ahead..but you also have to be somewhat realistic, whether you are a romantic, a cynic, or just take life a day at a time and enjoy the moment.