Steer clear of this man

Dear Gabriel,

I met the most sensitive wonderful guy on a chatsite. We’ve been talking daily and, this may sound pathetic, but we’re in love. He knows me better than anyone, without ever having met me. But now he wants to come to this country to meet me. He’s a Romanian.

He says it’s hard for him to clear money in his country quick enough. It takes ages there. So he says he’ll send the cheque to me to cash if I transfer the money to him.

My father’s an accountant, so he looks after my finances. He won’t let me. He says he’s a crook. But I know he’s not. It’s just my father trying to control me. How do I make him agree? My whole happiness hangs on this.

Desi.

Dear Desi

I’m afraid I’m with your father on this one. I can hear alarm bells ringing so loudly I’m surprised the whole city isn’t in a state. My dear, there are so many horror stories about gullible people being used by unscrupulous crooks trying to make a quick buck, get a new passport, or do some kind of money laundering deal.

If this man really loves you and has enough money, let him come to you under his own steam and then you can meet him face to face. Bless you for being so trusting, but I truly have a bad feeling about this.

I would love to be wrong – and will offer you a public apology if I am – but heed your father’s advice and steer clear of this man. I don’t want to belittle your feelings, but at this stage they are based on fantasies, hopes and dreams. If it is true love, it will last through the crisis of waiting for him. If he does not come, go for some counselling and put your energies into meeting a good man where you are.