I enjoy chatting to people over the net. I just take it to be
a bit of fun and a way to pass the time. Several months ago I started chatting to a guy in
his early twenties. He now seems to have become a little obsessed -- he says he can't stop
thinking about me. He wants a photo and he wants to speak on the phone. He bombards me
with emails. I am not sure if I should humour him or not. If I do speak to him on the
phone, do you think that would cure him of his obsession? If it doesn't, I am also a bit
concerned that he might ring me all the time, though he says he won't. What should I do?
Online Problem
Dear Online:
If he is obsessed with you, speaking to him will not make him
go away, it will just encourage him. Do not give him any personal information such as the
city you live in, your last name or address and phone number. If you want to get rid of
him, cut off all communication, change email services (get a free account to use for chat
rooms) and use different chat rooms.
I hope you don't use your real name in chat rooms or on
newsgroups. It's better to get a free email account online for use in chat rooms and
newsgroups, rather than the one with your internet provider. There are lots of free email
services available.
There are many disturbed people lurking in chat rooms
everywhere. Of course, not everyone who uses chat rooms is disturbed, but you have to
watch out for them.
Good Luck
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