red flags?

I've been on this site for about 4 months and was really getting on well with another member. His first trip to visit me was cancelled due to an employee falling ill and being out of work for a few months. Then out of the blue a few weeks ago, he tells me he's starting to date a local woman. My friends (of both sexes) think I was being played. I'm not sure this internet thing is for me because I'm not able to use my normal clues in assessing a guy's credibility. Does anyone have some tips for me so I won't be made a fool again?
tx

Tis better to have loved and lost than end up with a psycho?
I dunno....I doubt there are any fool proof ways to know who is real and who is gaming. I imagine that you had several in depth converstatons before inviting a stranger into your home?

Long distance relationships are difficult to maintain most times anyway. Why not look for someone local yourself?

What Tori said...there's no way to know for sure online. You kind of have to just use your best judgement, and look out for signs if you're say, worried about him seeing someone else. Is he the type who darts offline sometimes without saying goodbye? Is he only able to talk at certain times, say late at night or super early in the mornings? Does he refuse to talk to you on the phone or if you have talked, has he asked you to please not call at certain times? Those are signs to look out for to see if you have someone who's playing you. If they act like they have something to hide, chances are they do. Just get a good feel for them and proceed slowly and with caution. I don't know if that helps you any or if I missed the mark entirely as far as what you need advice on.