Don't be discouraged by online dating. Just like meeting someone in real time, it can be hit or miss. The vanishing act is quite common, both online and face to face and doesn't necessarily mean they're playing a "game". But to some extent dating IS a game. The object of the game is to find your special someone but there may be a lot of twists and turns along the way. I've known lots of happy couples who met online. One couple I know has been together for more than twenty years. So it really does happen. My advise would be to relax. When someone is giving you a hard time or just disappears on you, tell yourself, "gee, I guess she wasn't for me", and date someone else. Keep it casual in the early stages. Go on lunch dates and fun outings. It can take a while to learn important things about someone. Don't even concern yourself with someone you haven't met yet. No matter how wonderful they seem, you may be disappointed. Back before the Internet, I did paper personals. (Yes I'm old). One woman I seemed to connect with described herself as "athletic, non-smoker". She was about 100 pounds overweight and smoked like a chimney. I asked her why she lied and she told me she didn't really lie because she used to be athletic and she was planning to quit smoking and get back in shape. We dated briefly but after a few more deceptions, I stopped seeing her. In conclusion, don't drive yourself nuts trying to figure out what you've done wrong. I'm sure you're fine. Remember that life is short. Make dating and life in general a fun adventure and don't waste your time on women who hurt and reject you. Your girl is out there.

Hi shehas,

I agree with Lisa. It's hit or miss just like in person. I did some online dating and actually met my long time partner online; she was the roommate of someone that I met on a dating site. So you never know!

I found that I preferred to keep to just a couple of emails, then a phone call and then meet for coffee. I found that some people seemed more interested in pen pals than meeting in person which seemed odd and too easy to be less than truthful!

Don't give up, your person is out there! I didn't think I'd find anyone I could love after my ex dumped me. My partner is the first person in my life to be good to me since I was 17!

Thank you both for the really great advice. She got back in touch with me after a few days and apologized. I think she did panic but she didn't admit it. We did meet and really hit it off. We are talking regularly again and have a second date this weekend. So it actually turned out really well.
Lisa - my brother also met his wife online 12 years ago. I know it works for some people, that's why I wanted to try it. Thank you for the encouragement.

So glad to hear it's going well!

Glad its working out so far... you never know... I met the love of my life online and we made it over 12 years until I lost her on may 3rd to complications from stomach surgery. Good luck and have fun. Life is too short.