ranjbrown.com

Hey Ranj,

What is my problem? I just don't trust anyone! And although on occasion I indulge people with an occasional instant messenger conversation, I have never had the courage to actually do the date thing. Heartbroken, used, and screwed over too many times maybe?? Am I just bitter or maybe it is an overgrown fear of commitment?- Patricia, Cincinnati, OH

Hi Patricia,

You obviously have a lack of trust. Perhaps it's warranted. Most normal people tend to lose trust once they’ve been burned by trusting someone. Being cautious is wiser than meeting every Tom, Dick, and Hairy Dick who asks you out on a date. But, if you've met someone online and known them for some period of time, and if you've had some means to verify their identity (web-cams, chatting and online profiles for example), why not stop chatting online and meet him in person for some coffee or a drink?