Weeks turn into months as my relationship with Mr. X transcends into one of comfort and trust. Our nightly discussions sometimes stretch into unfamiliar territory. As we gradually reveal our souls to each other, we find we are mutually compelled to learn more. However, during the past week Mr. X has grown slightly distant. Our conversations remain profound, but they do not fill the hours I had grown accustom to.

As I arrive at a highly anticipated concert, I find myself consumed with thoughts of Mr. X. I reflect on our recent conversations and am filled with a sense of warmth. I long to share this experience with him. As if responding to a telepathic cue, Mr. X suddenly appears about 9 meters to my left.
[…]

“Argh! There’s nothing on TV!” I shout out to nobody. Weeks after my startling revelation I find myself firmly planted on my ridiculously cheap sofa, wondering how I spent my down time before Second Life. My computer having been shut down for the night was taunting me from the dark recesses of my living room. Within moments I was off the couch, cigarette in hand, grabbing the computer for what I thought would be a quick check of Second Life. Little did I realize, I was about to get totally immersed once again.

Upon signing in, I am greeted with a warm and friendly instant message from a friend asking me to join him on an amazing adventure. I whole-heartedly agree and am instantly teleported to a land far, far away. As I arrive at the designated location, I open my eyes to take in my surroundings. I am greeting instantly by a stunning vision. Towering before me is none other than Mr. X. I stare directly into the soft eyes of the man I left behind, seeing nothing more than kindness.
[…]

“I heard you and Random Guy broke up. You doing okay?” Mr. X and I had fallen into a casual friendship since that fateful night five months ago, when I found out that he and Live-In Girl were cohabitating. After all this time, and a brief but tumultuous romance, I still longed for Mr. X to distinguish me as more than a friend. I further knew the possibility of such an acknowledgement was of the question, at least until Live-In Girl was no longer sharing an address with him.

“Its true.” I say, trying to avoid my feelings of regret over the relationship. “So what are you up to?”
[…]

I follow Mr. X through a passageway and into an area full of high tech equipment, which I could never fully comprehend. The buzzing and whirring of the machinery is second only to the euphoria I feel while in the company of such an enigmatic individual. Mr. X demonstrates to me how to use the equipment, but I do not hear a word he is saying. My thoughts are filled with unanswered questions about the man in front of me. I crave answers, but silently vow that I will ask only when appropriate. Now is not the time.

“You have to be smart about this.” My inner monologue is working double-time. “You cannot let him know how you adore him, yet you cannot seem disinterested. Play it cool, Andrea. Play it cool…”
[…]

I receive a random teleport from a newfound friend, ripping me from the comfort of my overstuffed, pristine sofa. I arrive seconds later at a strange and desolate land, where I experience the all too familiar property bounce.

Staring through the red lettering, I see my friend staring up at a tower constructed of little more than glass and lights. “Hey girl! I can see you, but I can’t get in. You have your ‘no entry’ block on.”
[…]

Why do SL relationships sometimes appear as complicated as RL ones? Because we’re pawns in a game. Literally. Linden has set up a world that 100% user created. It is madness. We all love it. But the fundamental part of all interactions - virtual or otherwise - is the user. The person behind the avatar is what motivates us into different realms of irrationality.

I am more afraid of regret than I am of failure. Hence the reason I have become so good at failing. I apologize to those whom I have let down over my 9 months on Second Life. Please understand it is my personality, and not anything done with malice or ill intent. I am outspoken and have never been shy. If my words have offended, please understand that I am not someone to purposely wound another.
[…]

To say my Second Life has been chaotic lately would be an understatement. Continual contemplation, coupled with an interesting exchange with a very understanding gorilla, helped me realize that my friends don’t need me. I need them.

To all the people I need, I give you old 80’s music…
[…]

The most insightful and brilliant person I have ever known in my life is someone I’ve never actually met. Sometimes that freaks me out. Sometimes that’s part of what I like.

Is this how it will be for the next generation? You have friends you’ve never met, lovers you have never touched, unbreakable bonds with people who speak another language? And if that’s where relationships will be built in 20 years, is that good or bad?
[…]

In less than a year, I have gone from a chick who would remove clothing in public to a mayor of an island. I have seen people come and go. I have made some real friendships, and I’ve met some real assholes. What have I learned?

Laugh a lot. Do the impossible. Be discerning. Treasure the people who actually deserve it. Help your neighbor. SL time goes quickly; enjoy the ride.
[…]