To think there's an argument for texting for a few weeks before meeting up to get a feel for the person ?

[bloodyhellsbell]

Is there?
I'm meeting a date for the first time this weekend. We've been chatting on WhatsApp for two weeks and have gradually got a feel for eachother .. so no big intrusive questions , nothing sexual or inappropriate , just a gradual online chat getting t know one another
And it's been enjoyable .
I would have met earlier but he definitely wanted to be sure he wanted to meet up, first by getting to know one another lightly .
Are there bad flags here or has this worked for anyone else ?
I accept that there May be nothing between us but am still hopeful!

I’d do a week or 2 texting then call or FaceTime before travelling so far to meet. You’ll know from that if the conversation flows, if it does you’ll most likely enjoy the meet up even if it doesn’t develop into a relationship.

So I find that a few messages and then arrangements to meet. I messaged one guy quite frequently and shared holiday pics etc and completely regretted it as he seemed to always have a reason not to meet up and the impression I got was that he liked the idea of a girlfriend but in a slightly fantasy way

Another reason to delay meeting someone is because you're seeing others and have them in a pecking order, that's the nature of OLD

I wouldn't.
I think there has to be a sort of chemistry, which you can only know when you meet. You can message people you know already for 'chat' but when you've not even met, it's more like being interrogated.

However, I think it is ridiculous to start a relationship with someone who lives 3 and 1/2 hours away. That would be difficult enough to sustain in an established relationship (and presumably it will be longer than 3.5 hours if any issues with traffic / trains / however you are travelling ?)