I have a theory that this sort of heart break is part of our cultural learning curve coming to terms with living with what we have invented.

No-one in pre-Internet years would dream of believing they were in love with someone they hadn't met, but even so, deception, or misplaced confidence occurred often enough.

It is tricky stuff accelerating the whole deal with always-on, broadband communications.

And we need to learn that even though it is possible to put our faith in the "tone" that comes across between the lines, it may be wiser not to.

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