Hi there hay,
just wanted to share my experience with you. I met my husband on the internet, I wasn't in a relationship at the time and nor was he, but even so we both lived on different sides of the country. (australia). We met in a chat room on yahoo about 4 and a half years ago, we chatted online for about 3 years, sent each other pics, but we also insisted on using a cam while we talked. We then decided we should meet, so he flew over to me and stayed for 2 weeks. We knew everything was as perfect as it seemed online, so we went for it and he moved here to live with me. We got married, and we very much in love. A lovier gentlemen you will never meet. He is the man of my dreams. We are now 28 weeks pregnant with our first son, and preparing to try for our second child after this one is born. So it is possible to find your partner online. I really believe using a cam is essential if you are going to chat online with a potential partner, so you can see who you are really talking to. It is too easy to send pics of someone else, and believe me soooooo many people on the internet actually do that. I have talked to a lot of people online, and without any exaggeration, there are more idiots and dishonest people online, than honest ones who are truly looking for love. I think the net is a great place to meet someone special, as physical contact is not there to blind your judgement. At the same time, you still need to be very careful before taking the plunge and deciding to go further. If you really end up wanting to be with this guy, nothing in the world will stop you. And I mean nothing ! If you love each other beyond words, you will be together. Just be very very careful, and make sure you've done your homework before you take any serious steps.
Good luck.