Can virtual love become True love?
Peggie & Leland
Q. How long have you been together?
A. Leland and I have been together since March 2010. We married June 26th, 2010 and he moved from California to Ohio to be with us on October 2, 2010.
Q. Why did you decide to try online dating?
A. Well, I didn't really intend on falling in love with someone online, it just kind of happened so it wasn't like online dating really. SL was not developed as an online dating forum. It's not like eharmony or any of those "online dating" sites as you call them.
Q. Where there any fears about meeting each other in person?
A. Oh yes, I was very nervous about meeting Leland because I'm heavy in RL and of course I'm not in SL but that is one of the beauties of sl romance, you really get to know the inner person, their heart, soul and beliefs above all else first. Lee fell in love with all of me. Leland says he had no fears about meeting me in real life but he is a very outgoing person in RL where I am shy in RL.
Q. How did you decide, as a couple which of you would relocate?
A. Well, I am divorced with a school age child and my ex would not permit me to move out of state, I am from Ohio and Leland from California. Lee's daughter is grown so it was easier for him to relocate. His daughter has since moved closer to us so we see her more often now.
Q. What would you say about the negative aspects about online dating?
A. First and foremost, we do not and never have considered SL online dating. If you're not careful, you can hook up with some idiots. I have been very lucky, this is actually my 2nd online to RL relationship, the first, also from SL lasted about 4-1/2 years and he still lives local and we're all friends. Alot of people don't take relationships in a place like SL seriously because they feel it is a game and both Lee and I disagree with that. It is no game when there is a living, breathing person with a heart and feelings sitting behind that computer, running that avatar.
26 Our Voice / February, 2014