Link to Part 2

Let us now return to the most common types of interactions, beginning with the most benign and most meaningful IMHO (in my humble opinion) -- friendship. The term here is used broadly, to include the most casual of recognition("Hi Toots, missed you yesterday in Women's Space), to extraordinary acts of deep caring, thoughtfulness and concern. The women in many cities have Sunday brunch. Groups get together in central locations, such as Washington, DC, for a "reunion." Clusters of women, cybersibs, share hotel rooms for PrideFest in San Francisco, never having seen each other before. Recently there was a camping trip in North Carolina. Lifetime friendships are formed, and are solid, because they began with sharing those inner qualities that so often get ignored when goodness gets overshadowed by a negative superficial first impression.

Flirting

Now THIS is a topic for someone's dissertation. Shy women who can barely utter an audible hello burst into full bloom in the flirting department. These are not come-ons. This is just playful stuff. This is where women who never get to play with each other, play with gusto. This is where you will see the wittiest, quickest, most playful and verbally gifted women at their very best. And guess what, everybody loves the attention -- the flirter, the flirtee and the audience. It is social skills practice for some, release for the closeted many who seek a safe place to have fun, and entertainment for the s. You don't have to make a date or go home with anyone, or deal with the awkwardness of refusing to do so. Everyone can seem for the moment like the woman of your dreams. It is a dance, swirling and whirling until one person tires of it or moves on to a new partner. Rarely does anyone step out of bounds. It's done on the ballroom floor, to the delight of everyone.

Romance

If you think you are going to find Ms. Right, or even Ms. You'll Do, well, think again. Online romances do flourish, for all the reasons stated above. They often crash and burn, too. Any time we create our dream partners out of a dream...well, dream on. Reality can be a jolt. The world is full of very lonely people, and it's safe to assume that a lot of people lurking and talking in online chat rooms are among them. For some this is forgettable play. For others, it is rehearsal.