romance

/me looks confused.

Oooh, this is an interesting thread and one in which i have to comment!

There is a difference between roleplay and RL life, so they say lololol I've been a roleplayer in various groups for the last five years or so. It keeps my sad personality occupied. As in real life, friendships are formed and broken, there is happiness, involvement into the storyline and plenty of bitching. The one thing that makes it different from RL friendships is that you can withdraw from the group and never see your fellow players again - that is, if you want to. I think what i'm inadequately trying to convey is that it is a 'set piece'. You enter the game, you play, you leave. Unless you've given your email/messenger/skype to someone in the game, of course. Then escape is not so easy!!

As far as i can see, SL has these roleplay games and they continue along the same lines as any other. Maybe you make friends in these in the same way as outside SL.

What is entirely different in SL is that it's got much more scope when you play your avatar as an extension of your own personality. You really seem to connect with people as you do in RL friendship situations. You may embroider your personality, how you play your avatar, but at its core is YOU. This is more than mere writing or roleplaying. Maybe its a form of extreme roleplay but that is not the total explanation. It does seem to be a different type of communication... maybe an analogy is to compare say, a letter and a cinema film. Lots more senses being engaged, more chance for escapism, a more lucid area of play. Given this scenario, i think it's entirely possible to have romance. And why not? Life is short, it's sometimes dull, it's sometimes painful and cruel. Why not have a little sweetness? It doesn't make it any the less real or even heartfelt. Many of us have entered SL for a little light relief from RL or to make friends, maybe we never expected to have a romance! But if we do... so be it. Now how we choose to express that is a personal choice. People have already talked about their experiences there. I just wanted to explore why and how SL is different to roleplaying games.

If you two are confused then I'm completely lost in a world where nothing makes sense and coffee machines keep touching my bum.

Aww, that is sweet. Coffee machines love you.

Silly comments about household items aside, QFT. There's some very bittersweet times to be had ... however, I think your point about not looking is extremely valid. It creeps up on you sometimes ...

I'm a firm believer in being yourself in SL. I know that's not it for a very sizeable proportion of the citizenship but for me it's a medium to express myself as me. And yes ... life is short and over all too soon ... happiness should be taken if it appears because one day it may no longer ...

Note: There are a lot of people that "roleplay" in real life, pretending to be something that they are not, and I am not specifically talking about actors acting.

RL feelings because there are RL People behind the avitars. Your right Ray. You know my story someday I will share it with the rest of the world.

I have abstained from a romantic relationship for my entire duration as Jezabell, until now. I have very strong feelings for my SL partner. I aslo know and respect the limitations of our fantasty together. Sure I think of him in RL, but I always remember this is a fantasy for us, kind of like day dreaming.

We were friends before we were lovers and I think this helps.

I see this as an enhancement to my RL, and yes my RL partner knows (not fully understanding) about my SLescapades.

Me too. I can't help myself, even if it's at the expense of one of my literary heroes. Good one, Des.

I value my freedom in SL too much to get involved in deep relationships.

Well Snady, not wanting to alarm you but ..


... your next move could determine whether you're on your way to an Oscar .. or ICU



sorry, nothing serious to add.