Miriel and I did not start dating until we met. I never had an 'online' girlfriend and never planned to. I think it is important to meet or plan to meet if you wish to take the relationship seriously. After that point, there should be plans to one day live in proximity to one another. Long distance relationships are hard but as long as you have a goal to work towards you can make anything happen.
It also helps to be as awesome as we are.
Side note: I wonder who's boinked the most EoFFers. My guess is BoB since he has had at least 3 girlfriends from here that I know about, but I don't know what happens at all y'alls meetups.