Additional Coverage:
- I worked the night shift and spent it chatting with a guy in the UK. He flew to the US to meet me, and we’ve been together for 27 years. (businessinsider.com)
Love in the Time of Dial-Up: A 1997 Online Romance
It all started with a bragging coworker and a shiny new toy—the internet. Back in 1997, when having a home computer was still a novelty, I, a recent graduate, found myself working the night shift at a publishing plant.
My coworkers and I, fueled by a competitive spirit, decided to conquer the burgeoning world of online contests. Since I was the only one with a computer, I became the designated prize hunter.
Even after landing a better-paying job, my nightly internet adventures continued. I stumbled upon a site that paid users virtual coins for clicking on webpages, leading me to a rather unremarkable bulletin board called American Singles.
Just as I was about to log off, a 26-year-old calling himself “Dionysus” caught my eye. We clicked instantly, and I found myself captivated.
For six months, we chatted nightly for hours, bridging the gap between California and the UK. Working the night shift meant our time zones aligned perfectly.
We shared secrets and stories, forging a connection I hadn’t experienced before. So engrossed was I in our virtual world that I completely forgot about the online contests.
Lost in our conversations, I didn’t realize Adrian, as I later learned his real name was, was racking up hefty internet bills, charged by the minute. The solution?
He decided it would be cheaper to fly across the Atlantic to meet me in person.
Naturally, my coworkers, ever the supportive friends, voiced their concerns, questioning whether my online Romeo was actually a 60-year-old grandmother. Adding to the anxiety, news stories about online stalkers filled the headlines. My mother, convinced I was inviting an ax murderer into my home, threatened a dramatic intervention.
Despite my apprehension, Adrian arrived, and we navigated the initial awkwardness of meeting face-to-face. Cultural differences quickly surfaced.
Attempting to eat pizza with a knife and fork, Adrian provided a source of amusement, a clash of British politeness and American casualness. A trip to Starbucks proved equally bewildering for him, as the coffee giant had yet to make its mark across the pond.
But we persevered, embracing our differences and learning about each other’s quirks. He passed the ultimate test – meeting my mom – with flying colors. Three months of dating, filled with San Francisco adventures and beachside camping, led to a trip to the UK, where I met his warm and welcoming family.
Upon our return, amidst a documentary about mummification, Adrian proposed. I said yes, and we eloped in 1999. Twenty-seven years later, we’re still chatting, our love story a testament to the power of connection, even in the dial-up days of the internet.