Step Out Of The Bubble The level of intimacy new couples find online is all but impossible in real world. Online there are no distractions, two people are completely devoted to conversation, differences can be ignored or resolved easily and no outside forces vie for anyone's attention. But step out of that bubble and you really find out how compatible two people are (or aren't). When someone sits down to chat on computer they have time and inclination to talk. But away from computer there are so many parts of life and activities to consider. Will you want to do same things and give same amount of time and energy to a relationship? Or will you discover that one wants a bit of quality time together amid a busy life full of obligations and activities while other wants 24/7 togetherness? There is no universal time frame for how quickly a couple should step out of bubble and test their compatibility in person but it is wise for every couple to realize there is no guarantee that compatibility you feel online will be same offline. Best to keep your expectations in check until you've spent real time together in real world.

Keep It Safe You can ask all right questions, take all right precautions and still end up meeting someone in person that you do not feel comfortable with. No matter how much magic you feel online, don't put yourself at risk by taking shortcuts when it comes to your personal safety. If you truly have found someone you will have a long happy relationship with, there's no harm in delaying being alone together until you are as sure as possible that you will be safe. Always meet for first time in a public place and have your own transportation available to get to and from date. Take every precaution you would when meeting a total stranger because, even though you may have chatted online for months, when it comes to physical safety this is a first date with a stranger.

There are many more good people than bad online but be sure you have one of good ones before trusting them with your safety or your heart and you'll definitely improve odds that your relationship will work.

When he reached an area about a foot and a half in front of Noah, he stopped abruptly. Without taking his eyes off him, stranger slowly opened his mouth and began to speak.

"You, Noah Paul King, have been brought to highest court in universe, at my request, to tell your truth, and nothing but your truth, so help your God."

His hollow, gruff voice hammered like final nail driven into a coffin.

He paused, and his smile transformed into a devious grin, revealing a distinct set of pearly white teeth. Noah stared in complete bewilderment.

After a moment of desperate search, Noah seized his voice.

"Ah, okay."

Without warning, man erupted in a fit of laughter.

"Okay? Is that all you have to say?"

Noah wiped his sweaty forehead with his shirtsleeve. The stranger grinned, enjoying his anxiety.

"Well, I'm puzzled," Noah replied.

"I bet you are," he laughed.

"I have no idea where I am, and what I am being charged with, and..."

"Wait," stranger interrupted, "its Your God thing, isnt it?"

"Yes."

This has got to be some sort of hallucination, Noah thought.

"I can eliminate your confusion simply," he said. "First of all, you are not on trial. You are here as a witness for Defense. Secondly, it is I, Prosecutor, assigned to trial. And thirdly, this is best part..."

By now, man was snickering devilishly.

"You know term God, that is used to identify Creator?" Noah was not sure if he was asking him a question or making a statement. Feeling dampness behind his neck grow cold, he answered with a blunt, "Yes."

"Well," man said, "I am pleased to inform you that this higher being does in fact exist. You are here not only as a witness, but also as evidence of His creation. You have been assigned with delightful task of defending Him."

Staring intently into his eyes, Noah felt as though he was just caught with his pants down.

After a moment of gathering his thoughts, Noah was overcome with realization that everything he believed in for such a long time was instantly annihilated - road kill.

With all vast knowledge he had acquired over years, only one futile thought emerged: Oops

The Sinking Of Noah's Ark (ISBN:1589392191)

Copyright 2002,2003 © TrysDan Roberts

For a review copy e mail: sprucecove@bwr.eastlink.ca www.trysdansbooks.com