How should I handle this online relationship situation?
I have been speaking to a guy online for about four months. We are both about 25, and we got together on a dating site. I know there's a lot of backlash against online dating, so let me reassure you all--we went to the same college, and I did know him by reputation and in passing though we never actually spoke. So, chances of him being a serial killer are significantly decreased :)
When I say we talked, I don't mean just texting or something. We probably discussed everything under the sun, and I don't think either of us ever sent an email less than a page long--usually longer, honestly. It was just like we couldn't run out of things to say to each other. We shared the same sense of humor, and we flirted all the time. I don't think this kind of thing really ever came easily to either of us. I'll admit we're both kind of geeks (with pride!), so the connection was incredible.
About a month ago, we had arranged to meet. Let me just say right now, I have always struggled with my self-image. I am kind of paranoid about being rejected due to a few things that have happened to me in the past, and I know I am really oversensitive. Long story short, he emailed (we don't speak on the phone) and canceled on me about an hour before we were supposed to meet. He said he was having car trouble, but you know how that is... I was kind of hurt, because I had already felt like I was the one most anxious for us to meet in the first place. Plus I had bought a new outfit, done my hair, and pretty much went all out getting ready by the time he canceled.
Rather than talking about it, as I should have done, I just never wrote him back. I figured, okay, if he truly cares about me he'll write me back. Yeah...he never wrote me back. But this just seemed so sudden. He was always talking about things he wanted to do, places he wanted to take me, movies that he was going to make me watch with him...he left no doubt that he was interested in me, and he felt strongly about me. And, again...two page emails. Once a day.
So, anyway, here I am a month later and I can't stop thinking of him. Second guessing the admittedly lame way I handled things, and wandering if he even misses me at all. Honestly, I've never felt such an affinity with anyone else. I feel like I've lost one of my closest friends, because he was someone I felt I could say anything too. And I don't know what to do, if anything. Should I email him? If so, what should I say? I'm not totally without pride, and I still think he should have messaged me back. Should I just let it go? Please try not to be too harsh, but I would like some outside opinions.
Thanks.