When you're in an online relationship, it can be so easy to lie – so that's why there are tons of warning signs in an online relationship that you've got to watch out for! Have you developed strong feelings for a guy, but you've never met him? Never talked to him on the phone? Never even Skyped with him? These are all warning signs in an online relationship that you should watch out for! I was in an online relationship for over a year and then my partner and I met – and it worked out for us! It can work, but if you get the icky feeling that you're being lied to, take a look at these signs!
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1. Extravagant Stories
Always, the top warning signs in an online relationship that you should watch out for are extravagant stories. Nobody can be a model, a flight attendant and be going to school to be a doctor. Not all at the same time. If you are hearing a bunch of stories (because that's what they are most of the time) and not a lot of it seems realistic, this is a warning sign!
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People who weave such tales tend to aim for the extraordinary; after all, excitement is enticing, isn't it? But step back and employ a smidge of skepticism. If their life sounds like a plot pulled straight from a soap opera or a Hollywood blockbuster, chances are they're embellishing the truth, if not spinning pure fiction. Balance trust with caution, and listen to your gut. If something seems too good to be true, it very likely is. Trust is earned gradually, especially when a relationship exists purely through a screen.
2. Will Never Video Chat
All right, I get that sometimes video chat isn't an option. I never video chatted with my partner, but if your mate flat out refuses to video chat with you, claims they have never done it with anyone else and refuse to even think about purchasing a web cam, that could be a warning sign. I'd use this sign in conjunction with the other signs though.
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3. No Updated Pictures
Are their profile pictures the same and unchanging for years at a time? I know that I have a few photos that I switch between, but I do occasionally update my profile picture. If their profile picture is the same always, it could be because that is one of the only pictures that they have – because they can't take anymore.
4. Limited Number of Pictures Sent to You
What about the number of pictures that are sent to you? If your guy or gal has sent you just 3 or 4 pictures (or even 10 pictures!) and you've been 'dating' for over a year? That isn't enough. Especially if you've begged them to take pictures of themselves and they just don't.
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When communication feels restricted to a scant handful of photos, it's normal to feel unsettled. Authentic relationships are built on sharing experiences and moments, which often include exchanging recent snapshots, selfies directly from where they are, or videos from their day-to-day life. If they're reluctant and their gallery remains mysteriously static, trust your intuition. Remember, a genuine partner delights in regular, spontaneous visual sharing, and anything less than that can be a red flag that the connection might not be as real as you deserve.
5. No Phone Calls
This is one of the real warning signs in an online relationship that you should pay attention to. Why does your partner or mate not want you to hear their voice? Do you think it's because it could sound completely different than you are expecting? These are things to think about!
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If your online companion constantly avoids phone conversations, consider the possibility that they're hiding their true identity. A genuine connection thrives on open and honest communication, which includes hearing each other's voices. It's not just about the tone, but the spontaneity and inflection in a voice call that can reveal much more about a person's sincerity than any text message ever could. Trust your instincts—if something feels off about their reluctance, it's worth exploring why they're keeping you at an arm’s length auditorily.
6. Provide Limited Information
While you should never give out all of your information online, some information about where you live, where you went to school and where you are from are all things that should be given – if you're dating. Why would you want to date someone that you really know nothing personal about?
7. No Key Information
How about the key information, like some of their history, how they were brought up, what thoughts and feelings they are experiencing? If you're in a relationship where your partner isn't giving up the goods on what they really feel like, then it really isn't a relationship – that is deep.
8. Inconsistent Stories
Finally, the last warning bell that you should be watching out for are the stories being inconsistent. Does your partner have a sister in rehab – but then they are suddenly in jail? What about if they claim to have four siblings but later down the line, they slip that they have five? These little inconsistencies can add up to lies!
While being in an online relationship is easy and can be wonderful, there are warning signs that you've got to watch out for. Have you ever been in an online relationship, or Catfished in one?
Comments
Bella: @Heather Jensen where could I find his email?
Bella: I actually wanted to meet Nev (the guy from Catfish) so I could do this and get it over with. I don't want to meet him by myself but I am eager to know...
CyranoSCW: Where does this Eric live?
Bella: We talk on oovoo and on the phone but when we get on oovoo his cam isn't on...he say it doesn't work.
Bella: Yes, I am currently in one with a guy in Florida. We have been talking for five years but I have not seen him. Sometimes I feel like he is lying but his stories have been consistent except the one about his phone. I really want to meet him and he doesn't mind meeting me but I'm still in school and he's " waiting on me to graduate" idk my emotions are twisted and Idk how to feel but I do know that I like him a lot
Octavia: Wowsers
Bella: I feel like it's a 50/50 thing. He's either telling the truth or a lie. I want to know so bad. I can't just let it go and forget we ever talked. :,-(
Bella: @Lyndsie Robinson Eric and I have been talking for 5 years. Within those 5 years I have seen very few (like 2) pictures of him? Yet he has "money" and won't buy a cam to oovoo with me
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