My cyber friend wants to meet me

I trust him since he comes across as a nice guy. Also, we've been chatting online for the past one year now and we've been sharing pictures from our daily life to keep each other updated. But now that he has asked me to meet him, I'm having second thoughts. What if he's not the person I've created in my mind?
- Bhargavi

Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Bhargavi,
Your apprehensions are justified. You don't know whether in real life he is exactly the way he is in the virtual world. Striking an online friendship comes with its share of perils. He may have lied to you and the pics may not even be of his. I suggest there is no harm in meeting him. But it is better that you go with a sibling or a friend. May be he is exactly the guy you talk online. But remember it is better to be safe than sorry. Take care and meeting him will dispel all your doubts.u00a0