Dear John: I met a lovely man who replied to my posting on an Internet singles site. He is 45 and has never been married before. To make things really complicated, he lives on the other side of the world.

So far, we've met twice this year, and we really enjoyed each other's company. Encouraged by others' stories of love and marriage via the Internet, I'm trusting our relationship will lead to marriage. I think he's open to the idea of a committed future with me, but his attitude only lasts as long as we're together — and most of the time, like right now, we are far apart.

I worry as time the passes. Should I give up? I can't afford to jump on a plane and appear on his doorstep, although I would if I had the money. What should I do? —Too Far for Love, in Tampa, Fla.

Dear Too Far: While the world is indeed becoming a "global village," the distance between you and your new friend would be a true test of any relationship — new or seasoned, platonic or otherwise. The concept that "distance makes the heart grow fonder," only works in established relationships, when daily trials and tribulations will strengthen a couple's commitment. E-pals don't have this same opportunity.

Your comment, that his attitude "only lasts as long as we're together," indicates that he has other interests and opportunities. Should you move faster than he toward commitment, you'll certainly scare him away.

Don't be too dependent on him. Instead, establish other relationships so that he is one of many in your life. Over time, should his desire for you grow, together you'll commit to that next step of bringing your two worlds closer together.

Dear John: My husband forgot my birthday. The next day when he apologized, I told him it wasn't a big deal, but later that morning, when I was alone, I cried because I felt unloved. I don't know if I'm being childish. Should I be this upset by his forgetfulness? —Feeling Unappreciated, in Spokane, Wash.

Dear Unappreciated: In all relationships, mistakes occur. It could be a forgotten birthday, a neglected request or perhaps an unanswered wish. How we process these disappointments says a lot about the love that we share.

A thoughtless act can never really be undone. Your husband can show that he doesn't want this to be repeated by using one of many digital tools to help him remember birthdays and other important events. Speaking of love is wonderful, but showing your love is the actual gold standard. Make sure that he calendars all your important dates. And for your disappointment, I would remind you that, as Alexander Pope so famously said four centuries ago, "To err is human; to forgive, divine."

John Gray is the author of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." If you have a question, write to John in care of this newspaper or by email at: [email protected]. All questions are kept anonymous and will be paraphrased. To find out more about John Gray and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.