CAN SECOND LIFE RELATIONSHIPS REALLY WORK? – Camury Reporting

 “Virtual relationships” is the subject of interest for many people. I believe that nobody enters this virtual environment just to be alone. In a certain way, everybody wants to meet other people and establish some kind of relationship, even if it’s a temporary one.

Talking to some friends I realized that most of them keep some kind of relationship in their Second Life. Some of those are really happy, healthy and permanent.

The Second life is an environment where we can keep in touch with people from different cultures all over the world. Virtual relationships just happen, one way or another, as soon as we meet different people. Some people get emotionally involved. It just naturally happens, even if we don’t want to. Many of us get so involved in those relationships that it starts affecting our real life. I know some couples, who with some time together, passed through the Second Life barriers and had some contact in real life.

In another conversation with my friends, they told me that the things they most like to do when they’re online are: meeting new people (especially of the opposite sex), talking, exploring, dating and even virtual sex. For the majority of men and women the pleasure and seduction are the best things in SL.  Many consider SL a great place to learn about human interactions and experimenting with fantasies they may not feel confident or able to try in the real world. I find this concept very interesting.  When I was exploring the grid, I saw some unusual events, which we may never see in real life.

For example, I saw a man and a little cat girl purring and flirting in the open chat. I also saw a beautiful lonely elf girl, waiting for someone to interact with.

I am also curious to observe people being able to fulfill their fantasies and fetishes in a variety of ways.

The question is in all these scenarios is, what actually works in a virtual relationship?

After some long talks with my friends I realized that relationships, the successful ones, are the ones that are based on understanding each other’s differences and the limitations in having a virtual relationship.

The most important thing is that our real life experience on this subject can’t be applied in virtual relationships. We can even see some people making the same real life mistakes in second life. It’s like the famous quote: “Wherever you go, there you are”.

Mutual respect, caring, complicity and most important the positive vibes, the willingness to be together, that’s what keeps the relationships happy.

 Above all things, if you want a relationship to be permanent, just put the jealousy aside. After all, everyone wants to have fun, that’s what SL is about, with no real life dramas added to the mix.

Here are 10 Commandments for Virtual Relationships.

1. §   Don’t be jealous
2. §   Leave the dramas at the door
3. §   Have interests in common;
4. §   Respect each other’s boundaries
5. §   Be creative and spontaneous
6. §   Don’t let the routine depress the relationship
7. §   Don’t isolate. Keep other Second Life friendships, not only with your partner.
8. §   Have the same expectations of your partner about bringing the SL relationship to real life.
9. §   Respect each other’s feelings
10.    Share the same fantasies.

Special thanks to: Max and Matt, who posed with me, for the photos; Joymell, the beautiful lonely elf girl; the unknown couple, the man and the cat girl; Pryamel and Majamela; a romantic couple and Dino, for helping me with my English.

Note: This article was translated from Portuguese to English

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Sultry Affairs in SL- LillyLacewing Reporting

The how’s, why’s, and WTF’s(?!) of Second Life affairs…

 I’ve often wondered what drives people to have affairs, both in Second Life, and Real Life, so I did a little hunting, and spoke, anonymously of course, with a few SL residents who were game to talk about their game here in this virtual world.

I thought asking the source, the ladies who provide these services themselves, would be more fruitful, but I was amused to discover that if you’re not about to pony up a bunch of Lindens, their customer service skills drop considerably. Way to bring ‘em on back, girls, your rude is so sexy! I quickly realized I wasn’t going to get a serious, or intelligent, answer from any of these digital ladies of the evening. The only real answer I got was, “It’s kind of easy, if you pay for it, what you are paying for is no drama.  You get what you want, you get the fantasy you want, then you get to go home and not deal with ‘OMG I love you...’”

So after that failure, I asked a gentlemen who I’ll simply call Toddrick, (To the actual gentlemen with whom I spoke: I apologize for the ridiculous alias, but it’s the only way I can ensure I don’t accidentally use your real name,) and the answer turned out to be rather simple, and universal. Lack of proper stimulation in RL would play a major role, at least in Toddrick’s case. His RL partner was not as sexually adventurous as he would like to be in his relationship, and things became further complicated after the birth of a child.

 After an adventure in RL role-playing left his partner with a sour taste in her mouth, fearing him some sort of pervert, things suffered from there on out. It’s never been a better time to be a human, since for the first time in history, you’re only judged for your perversions if they involve societal taboos such as rape, incest, or bestiality, in most parts of the world now. The frustration in his words was evident, and what I saw was a man who had a genuine desire to be with his wife, if only he could break her out of her shell and find a way to express to her exploration and experimentation can be not only fun, but healthy in keeping a sexual relationship new and fresh.

Toddrick admitted to a handful of affairs on SL, but that he’d never had a full blown RL affair, just an episode of kissing a girl one time, as his only RL extra marital activities. I found this even more fascinating, because of the fact that one girl on SL with whom he feels very close, lives close enough for him to visit, yet he’s afraid an RL meeting would spoil the fantasy and mystery of this lady he finds himself so fascinated with in SL. To me, this spoke of a man who cared greatly for his wife, while trying to satisfy things inside him he didn’t feel comfortable satisfying with his wife.

 It seems, to me at least, that maybe the tedium and mundanity of his RL relationship was a driving force in his desire for SL affairs with other women. Throw in some self esteem issues that made him feel like he’d maybe missed his fair chance to ‘sow his oats’ properly, and you see a man looking for things perceived lost. When I dive into the possible depths of this thought process, I become a bit lost, because I’ve always been very forceful about who and what I want, thus fulfilling my needs in RL. This makes it so I don’t seek outside attention from others in either RL, or SL. The expression that comes to mind was one an old friend of mine from high school spouted to me one day, ‘If you don’t feed the dog, it’ll go next door.’

 This has never been more true than it is now, in a world where answers for your sexual appetites are literally a click away, the doors have never been more open for exploration in what a person, or couple, might find themselves into sexually. I thought I would learn a lot about SL affairs, but what I really learned a lot about was how many people in the world are left sexually unsatisfied in their everyday lives, either from illness, or injury, too much demand on their RL time and bodies with work and child rearing, or just a lack of compatibility in their levels of desire for sexual exploration. 

These reasons, and so many more, are why people seem to be driven to affairs in SL.

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AVIE POLL: How to Handle a Nasty SL Break-up-Ccoursey Reporting

"Never make permanent decisions on temporary feelings." -Wiz Khalifa

I asked several people "What advice would you give someone going through a nasty SL break-up?" and I gathered a bit of what is called 'easier said than done'.  A few said "Grief the idiot until you feel better", but that is only going to result in you getting in some trouble plus only a temporary feeling of satisfaction.  If you are involved in any kind of relationship in SL there will eventually be fall outs, some worse than others.  Here are what a few had to say about them.

Cris:  What advice would you give to someone that is going through a nasty SL break-up?

Newt:  The best thing is to have a cheap hide out home and/or get an alt to get away from it all to recollect yourself.

Cris:  nods... So you think it helps to escape a minute?

Newt:  Yes.

Cris:  Do you have any advice for people going through nasty SL break-ups?

Natty:  Oi!  That's a loaded question it really depends on the situation.... But don't be intimated and stand your ground would be the basic advice I would give.  Easier said than done though LoL

Cris:  Does it get easier?

Natty:  Basically you have to keep in the back of your mind the reasons you left him or her or he or she left you and come to terms with it just like a RL relationship.  And try to stay away from them if you can.

Cris:  What advice would you give a person going through a nasty SL break-up?

Dan:  The best thing to do is center your attention on other things cause the pain is dreadful.  Spend some time, maybe try to figure out what you did to make it a bad break up.  Don't talk bad about the person you dissolved with rather his/her fault if it was bad break.  The steam will still be there so leave well enough alone and try to move on if you really loved that person keep the love deep inside you, hold them close to your heart.

Cris:  Do you think it is best to give it time or jump right back in the dating game?

Dan:  Oh definitely give it time for the pain to heal.

Cris:  What advice would you give someone going through a nasty SL break-up?

Sins:  As in how nasty?

Cris:  In general...

Sins:  Well, I must say, it depends on the depth of nasty happening.  Mute and Cut it saves you from the drama.  Most of mine are friends so...  But to give the best advice it depends what is going on.

Cris:  Do you let people wallow or do you push them to get back into the dating game?

Sins:  Well... I say let it come to you... not you go to it... all in time in SL.  When one does not look for it, it tends to find you not you find it.  I never did.  Every situation is different but if it can't end nicely... then mute... and move on, there's too much out there.

Cris:  What advice would you give to someone going through a nasty SL break-up?

Oz:  As in coping with it afterwards?

Cris:  Pretty much.

Oz: Hmm....  For one to be able to cope with an SL break-up, all it really takes is time, depending how close you were to your partner.  Some say that SL is just a game, and it is, but the emotions one usually shows is often real.  The effort that somebody puts into a relationship is real.  Others may find it as a joke, but to those who truly care about their partner, the pain one feels is usually real.  You may never see their actual face, or hear their actual voice.  Here, you're able to grow an emotional and mental connection that you otherwise would have never been able to anywhere else.  The sad truth about dealing with a break-up, is that, the closer you were with your ex-partner, the harder it is to get over it.  Hang out with some friends, clear your mind, and just try to enjoy yourself.  You'll find yourself having fun sooner than later.  You'll forget it ever happened or why you were even sad in the first place.

Cris:  What advice would you give a person going through a nasty SL break-up?

Test Cluny:  1)Strip club 2) Loose shorts 3) Lap dance chair 4) 3 hours 5) $300.... Will clear the mind and body and only happy thoughts past and future will flow.

On that note, it really depends on the situation and the people involved.  It's best to try to keep it friendly, because really if it isn't fun why do it?  At some point you liked, even loved, each other and it will be hard enough without becoming nasty.  Good luck and remember even in SL you're never alone, someone somewhere is or has gone through something similar.

Share your comments below

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AVIE POLL: Do you have the Spark?- Debby Sharma Reporting...

“I wake up in the morning, Think I have been dreaming”, a line that I think is appropriate from my handbook of poems, written by me. The virtual world is an escape for some and a life for others. But it is a dream for all of us.  How many of us wake up smiling, thinking about the other wonderful life we have? Few among us walk the virtual worlds holding hands and partnered for a long time. One year of virtual relationship is considered a long time in world. This time I walked through the worlds to search for such couples who have made it more than a year. For most of us, we lose the spark as the days pass by. And few still continue through their ups and downs holding each other’s hands. So what is it that keeps the spark alive? 

Most of the time I ask a few questions, but this time my question was generic, i.e., only one for all the three couples I met. “What are the things you do together to be still bonded in love?” Instead of a question answer format, this time, I observed the couples. It is said that a picture speaks louder than words, I have tried to make a collage from their snapshots, consisting of activities they have been doing together over the past few years.

Image Credits: Valeria and Nestor Feiri’ Facebook photographs

Valeria and Nestor Feiri

Valeria and Nestor Feiri have been together since 2009. The first time I saw the pictures of this couple was in a Facebook group “The world of Zooby’s”. Since then, I have always noticed the strong bond that they share.

Valeria says, “Our relationship is based on honesty, dialogue, trust and respect for the other part. It’s a kind of mix, close friendship and love. We have a lot of things in common and for the other side, we complement each other. We have good communication. We know our likes and dislikes and how could the other react and sometimes I know what he’s going to say even before he does. When we have a problem, we try solving it by talking to each other. We try to do things that amuse us and have a good time. We try to get new experiences or new goals that we can enjoy together to avoid falling into the routine, enriching our experiences together.”

As I said, a picture speaks louder than words. One may see that it is true that they love to do things together. They are seen to be roleplaying the characters of “Avatar”, the movie; celebrating Christmas together as Santa; having fun with friends and having two babies (Zooby’s) to complete their family. They love to have candle light dinners, dance with each other at elegant balls and also have a home with kids, pets and a farm.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeria.feiri https://www.facebook.com/nestor.feiri

Image Credits: Bianca and Walter Gedenspire’ Facebook photographs

Bianca and Walter Gedenspire

Bianca and Walter Gedenspire  have been going strong and will complete two years in coming December. I was introduced to Bianca by Shamas Maximus for an article I had to write on arts. Since, then she has been a good friend and I had admired the relationship, she shares with Walter.

Bianca laughs and says, “Never thought I would be asked advice on this. We are busy all the time. We both have our own interests and combined. I think consistency is our key. Every morning Walter sends me a little private note to wake up with. Every night we always tuck each other in. So, I guess, starting the day together with a little note and always ending together. We very rarely miss this. Only natural disasters have stopped it once or twice”, she laughs and says, “We have never argued. Walter has a few friends that are not fond of me. I have a few that feel the same of him. We do not stop the other from having those friendships. I think it is important in the beginning setting ground rules of what you expect from the relationship. What you are willing to give as well. For example, I will not pose with another model. Walter poses only for me”. She pauses a while and then says, “I can honestly say every time I see him log on I still get butterflies.”

In the picture above, one can see that they both like to be in each other’s arms all the time. It does not matter what activities they do, you will always see them together. For SL11B, I had asked Bianca to help me click a few snapshots among other photographers to prepare the SL11B Guide, she came with Walter. They play sports, role play or visit any event together.  She says, “If we are not working on shoots, we are event hopping. There is always so much going on in SL, we have a hard time fitting it all in. We have SL property in Paris, Berlin, Mainland next to East Gallery and a little plot of land we work on. We always have projects. One night when it was slow we even tried making hats. Shopping, Oh my God! the shopping. Our favourite thing is to support our friends and family in SL, be it designers, artists and dancers. We do not judge and enjoy all the good we see in people we meet.”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bianca.xavorin https://www.facebook.com/walter.gedenspire

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GedenspireGallery

Image Credits: Kennice and Christian Carlsson’ profile and Facebook photographs

Kennice and Chiristian Carlsson

Kennice and Christian are completing their four year relationship in coming February, the 4^th. 

They are owners and founding members of The Torch: Entertainment Guide. I have been working for them since last year. They are one of the coolest employers. They have achieved much together. The Torch: Entertainment Guide was voted to be one of the top five for the UK Blog Awards last year. They are a team of eleven members currently and are the supporters of Relay for Life. They have a team called the Ryukyu Torch Warriors. At weekly meetings, we would all talk about the week ahead. There are also times at the meeting when Kennice would be giggling and Chirstian would be like hush hush.

When asked of the activities they do together, Kennice says, “Play games like Forsaken world, work on The Torch and just hang out together. We met at The Shelter in Second Life. We also like to go to the Isle of Dee, to role play. It is a medieval role playing sim. We love to hang out with each other. We work on projects together and it helps that we were friends first”. The collage formed out of the pictures taken from their profiles in Second Life, also suggests the same. She says, “Have fun, do not worry about the future. Just enjoy now”.

Apart from the magazine work, they also have babies and a family. Like Kennice said, they like to hang out with friends.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennice.morrison https://www.facebook.com/christian.carlsson

url: http://thetorchslguide.com

One of my real life friends said, “Life just goes on, Love is there as it was when we first met.” If there was a spark, it would still be there. We just have to find the things we love to do together. And most importantly, have a family and friends, as they complete us in every world. 

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What do Women Look for in SL Men?- Ccoursey Reporting…

 I took this assignment out of personal curiosity, because I'll admit to having sat around with my friends and discussing this. Everything from a certain color that may catch the eyes or a man that is talkative in nearby chat...

I look in nearby and check out profiles, but that is me. I wondered what other women thought when meeting a man and was able to legitimately ask, lol. Some answers may surprise you, while others are a bit expected. I mean do they want a man that will give in to their every whim or a man that is going to challenge them each time they turn around?

 A man that will spend many L's to keep them happy, or a man that will walk around in the same suit each day?

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How Do You Know if He/She is the One? – Nena Dreadlow Reporting…

That is the question we all ask ourselves when we meet someone. How do you know? I asked a couple in Second life that very question and found out how their relationship works. They are not only a couple in Second life but also married in Real life.

  Interview With Shirley89015 & Mush3701

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AVIE POLL: Is Dating in SL Considered Cheating on a RL Significant Other? - Glossom Resident Reporting…

In a world designed for socialization and interaction, it is easy to find people with whom we identify and with whom we create relationships of various kinds. 

The line between fidelity and betrayal is very tenuous. However well intentioned someone is and regardless of our vowed allegiances in RL, the allure of the unknown draws us and our romantic spirits seeks new adventures that can result in parallel relationships between two worlds.

Therefore, when embarking on a virtual relationship are you cheating on your RL significant other? 

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DATING IN THE WORKPLACE ON SECONDLIFE- Nomad Aries Reporting...

 

There are a lot of places to meet people in Second Life and one of the most popular places to meet is the workplace because The that is an easy place to meet someone and make a connection. 

Sometimes, a couple who have been dating or are partnered figure they get along so well that they will enter into a business together or work together  but is it the best idea?

There are many opportunities on Second Life that allow for couples to work together, however , workplace relationships are one of the biggest reasons businesses in Second Life fail. I personally have witnessed this many times and recently, one of the biggest and oldest clubs in SL closed because of a personal relationship that ended. It is actually the second time this club went down because of a personal relationship that ended. Most of my experience working for businesses owned and operated by romantically involved people working together has not been positive. It would not be an exaggeration to say sometimes it was a nightmare.

Why do people choose to work with their significant other? Can it work?

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The SL Experience through My Friend's Eyes - Shon Charisma reporting...

Every resident of Second Life experiences it differently. It's the beauty of the sluniverse, a vast place full of wonderful, engaging, unique goings on. AND the ability to create the life and space and places you might want to be a part of. My experience has been a fully-lived one that has brought me closer to my faith, that has expanded my family (even into first life), that has helped me recapture my love of video and storytelling, that has educated me on research interests of mine (race, online spaces, and identity), and that has brought me my wonderfully-awesome SL mate (love you, Earth!).

Recently, I snagged a dear friend of mine, Sweetz Fierenza [check her out on Facebook], and talked to her about her experiences in-world. She's been in-world a year longer than me, 4.5 years, and that time has shown that many of the experiences found in-world mirror what's experienced in first life.

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Blurring the Lines Between SL and RL -DoctorKaren Kanto Reporting…

There is, and has always been, a lot of discussion and even argument about the lines and boundaries between "real life" and "second life".

In this short piece, I hope to explore some of the issues involved in this, some of the potential dangers, potential benefits, and, ultimately, answer the question, "Can an SL relationship lead to lasting love?" In this, I am following many other authors who have written great pieces on the subject. This is simply my contribution to the mix.

For the purposes of this discussion, let's start with some definitions. Real Life (RL) is that set of experiences you have while you are alive. Second Life (SL), on the other hand, is a computer network-mediated means of communication and interaction. As such, it is just one of all the various ways you might communicate or interact in your RL. SL is a part of RL. SL IS RL. So those who assert that "this is a REAL person behind my avatar" are quite correct. Up to a point. Not all of RL is "the same thing". To understand SL better, let's look a moment at RL and the concept of multiplicity of personality.

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Let’s talk about SLex – Glossom Resident Reporting…

There is a certain inherent eroticism around Second Life for the many graphic images that appeal to human nature: the skins and shapes that are models of perfect and sensual bodies, the provocative clothes or the lack of them and even the animations that give avatars a sexy twist. 

Additionally, this platform allows us to voice with each other without having to reveal our identity, lifting eroticism into a whole new level: sexy voices; foreign accents that are appealing and lure the receiver. Thus, physical attraction is replaced for voice attraction and our powerful minds do the rest. All this affects our emotions related to sexuality.

On the other side of the scale there is the weight of moral and emotional values, either in shape of a real relationship where virtual sex is a way of cheating on the real partner or in shape of personal boundaries where virtual sex makes no sense and is rejected for the lack of physical connection or lack of objectives.

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Weddings Bells Are Ringing- Marriage Advice- Sarahelisabeth Brenham Reporting…

Weddings can be stressful for engaged couples. Does having the "perfect" wedding  seal the deal that the marriage will last? Let's look at this question together.


Temperatures are rising in North America. This phenomenon could only mean one thing: Summer is on its way! The first day of this new season falls in the month of June. Many causes, milestones and holidays are celebrated and acknowledged in that month. While the different types of gatherings and celebrations that are recognized in June, this month has been a popular pick due to its rich history. What kind of celebration do many people plan to have in June? 

Weddings of course!

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Drama - The Good The bad And The Necessary? Jaded Exonar Reporting....

 

 

Even the most recent of SL residents can’t escape the reality we label ‘drama’ – But what is it, and why is it there at all? Perhaps most importantly, can we really avoid it?

 

Second Life is saturated with this phenomenon of ‘drama’,and at times it seems impossible to avoid, even without any personal involvement at all! Confused? I used to be. I can remember very clearly bobbing through a welcome area as a noob, all dressed in my very best (and only) pink dotty dress, my hair tied neatly back into a pony tail, fresh pale skin blinding people in the sunlight. The virtual world was opening up before me, and there it was. BAM. A couple were shouting in Local Chat, and everyone around me slowly began taking sides. That was the moment I began to hobble swiftly and uncomfortably down the road I still try to walk today – The one that leads away from the problem. Has this always worked? In a word, no. But why?

 

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Second Life Babies -Pandora Drezelan Reporting...

Second Life Babies 

I visited the Magnolia Blossom Maternity Clinic and spoke with one of the clinic nurses Ms. Cat and the clinic owner and doctor, Roni Silvercloud. I wanted more of an insight into Second Life babies and child avatars. Ms. Cat talks about how she came to be a nurse in Second Life and what is involved in Second Life conception:

[slurl]

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Astrology by Linda Lauren

This month's Astrology by Psychic Medium Linda Lauren is ready for you!  What color will help move you forward?? What day of the week is best for you??

Linda's Intuited Astrology helps you embrace the overall energy of the month to its highest good and advantage by focusing on a color beneficial to your birth sign. When you focus on the color through visualization or by including a splash of it into your environment or as part of your clothing, you will feel uplifted and in better spirits.

Click here! for your best days and colors!

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10 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong -- NemzKat Resident Reporting

I interviewed KJ Kiranov and Xyza Armistice to ask about being in a strong, committed relationship in SL is and how to keep one.

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Stories from the SL Dating-Relationship Trenches -- Shon Charisma Reporting

In Second Life, we can do practically anything, and most of the things we finally settle down to do in earnest are the same things we do in our real space. We work to get the body we want. We buy clothes and accessories that make us look good (relatively speaking, that is). We purchase homes. And while we're in the midst of "getting ourselves together" here on the grid, we also find love, build relationships, get married, have kids, develop a family. I might be one of the very few who never thought about having a relationship in-world. I have children and grandchildren--am even a godmother to a few, but never thought about finding a mate...for what?

And then I met someone who actually made me want to chunk a part of my day just to dedicate to her, and I then, like a million-watt light bulb going off in my mind, realized that it's not that surprising we'd want to connect with others in-world in deep ways: to date, get to learn about others, to make connections that have you wanting to build a relationship with just one person.

BUT...to get to that "building a relationship" stage, most SL citizens date, and it's that SL Dating Pool where you can run into the right one, the wrong one, the crazy one, and the ones in between. I talked with a few SL citizens about the good, bad, and the ugly of SL dating and not only got good stories, but good advice for those jumping into the grid and looking for L-O-V-E.



Me and my Bae, Earth Nirvana


I asked a few SL citizens to share with me an SL dating/relationship story, good or bad, and offer some sort of advice to others jumping into the dating pool. I want to share some below...

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CULTURE: Online Dating- 100% Birth Control...

Imagine the Possibilities

Pros

-----

*Enjoy Second Life with a companion or companions.

we all need one unless we settle for a virtual dog or a hampster...

*half the rental fees and more help in business?

*cheapest form of dating ever created Next to speed dating.

*finally finding true love...again?

Cons

-----

*commitment issues are now compromised

*domestic drama and bickering is more then likely

*feelings of being smothered, held back or on a short lease.

*break up within 4 months.making up/breaking up again

*sleepless lonely nights

A look into the Phenomenon of Online Dating

By: Lanai Jarrico

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CULTURE: Half Empty/Half Full- Prince Sonoda Reporting...

Birth, Life and Death of a relationship in Lindentime

 Nothing is ever the same in this vast world we live in. You may have heard about the fact that no two snowflakes are ever the same (Kudos to the guy or gal who checked them all out) however, the same stands for people as well. No matter how much we have in common, we are different in so many levels. That is a beautiful thing just like having the different seasons or colors. When it comes to relationships, you may have also heard that opposite attracts. That is also true on some level and without a compromising spirit to bridge the gap, that attraction could quickly fizzle. So you have met the perfect one...The one to deliver you from your eternal boredom and shower you with attention and love. What was it that made him or her stand out? Was it a smile? A zest for life? A caring attitude? Or the way that you were approached perhaps? It could be anything from your clothes not rezzing in a crowded sim to whatever burns you forever in someone's memory. Then the journey begins... A new day dawns... You have someone to share magenta sunsets with. The nights are no longer endless as you try to savor every last second together. Your AVies are officially welded together. Before long, you wonder if you should make it official...Usually her idea or perhaps his. since that will stop his friends from crossing his territory. A small parcel and a dream house later, you two are contemplating prim babies. At this point, it is still a smooth ride since the wounds from Cupid's arrow is still open. However, it won't take long for perception to start changing. Why is he still smiling at the other girls (Remember that was what attracted you to him in the first place)? Why is she still making small talk with my friends ( You used to love her openness and carefree spirit)? The BRBs that used to be normal now seem longer and more frequent. Are they really or is that your perception? Half empty or half full. The reasons behind everything starts being questioned. Why am I left here all alone tonight while she is tending to her RL? We have a prim baby to raise here. The linden grass has not been mowed in weeks. Soon enough, a high wave comes crashing down on this sandcastle that was so lovingly built on the beach. Is anyone at fault? Is there less love now than the beginning? Or did we reach the end of our journey? Was the love solely in finding out about this mystical person and what he or she is made of? When the search is over and all the answers are found, is there anything else left to explore? Just food for thought...When you first started SL, you remember how magical it seemed? Answer me this: Do you still log on with the same anticipation? Don't answer me. That was for you and you alone. I have been here for a while and I have seen much, taste much and definitely heard so much. I have tried to place band-aids on your sadness when you felt that you were left alone in this SLWORLD. I have tried to be open and listen to both sides. There has been bitter break-ups and careless words. In Love and War as they say... I want you to do something for me. Yes, you... If you broke up with someone here, no matter what the circumstances were...I want you to IM that person right now (Unless there is a restraining order). You don't have to type much. It could be a simple "Sorry I did not try harder to keep this afloat" or "I understand that it is forever over between us, however, I would like to keep you as a friend because you stood out enough for me to have wanted to be with you". Whatever your line is, make it better than your pick-up line. I guarantee you will feel free afterwards, no matter where the blame lies.

Is your glass half empty or half full?

Does it matter?

Drink up. We are amongst friends.

Prince Sonoda

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