Would you do this - or are we just crazy?

[lecach]

DH and I leave on a Carnival cruise tomorrow. For the last few months I have participated in a cruise bulletin board with other people going on the same cruise. Two weeks ago I mentioned that we were flying into Fort Lauderdale and asked if anyone had advice on the best transportation to get to the Miami port. One of the guys that has been on the board longer than anyone said he and his wife are driving and staying overnight not far from the airport and they'd be glad to give us a ride. I told him that DH was concerned we'd end up dead in a ditch. He laughed - said that he didnt want to ruin his vacation with a couple of dead bodies. We've accepted the ride. I feel like I KNOW him. Like I know some of you guys. He was in the Army for 20 years. He and his wife are close to us in age. I have spoken to both of them on the phone. I feel safe. But of course my Mom freaked out when I told her. So - I was wondering - what would you all do in this situation?

 

[jahexom]

I would take the ride. We met some of our online cruise friends at a meet last year on a cruise to Mexico and they were all very nice. Now if they show up with a beat up pick up and expect you to ride in the back, I might call a taxi. (no offense to pick up owners)

Jen

 

[Beth76]

Hmmm, not sure really. We met some friends on our cruise from a message board. We had an awesome time with them and still keep in touch. We are planning another cruise with them. But we met them first. Also, I'm going to Chicago with some girls from a Born in July 2004 board. There are only 30 people on the board so we're pretty close and have been talking for close to 3 years.

Now this guy you're talking about, is he the "Dan Murphy" type? Who wouldn't take a ride with Dan if he offered? I say if you feel comfortable then go with it. You and your husband are adults.

 

[Dreamer04]

We wouldn't, but only because my DH is the cranky sort. I try to avoid putting him in social situations where he is vulnerable. Being the the back seat of a stranger's car qualifies.

 

[AshAlytwins]

Hmmm, not sure really. We met some friends on our cruise from a message board. We had an awesome time with them and still keep in touch. We are planning another cruise with them. But we met them first. Also, I'm going to Chicago with some girls from a Born in July 2004 board. There are only 30 people on the board so we're pretty close and have been talking for close to 3 years.

Now this guy you're talking about, is he the "Dan Murphy" type? Who wouldn't take a ride with Dan if he offered? I say if you feel comfortable then go with it. You and your husband are adults.

Sorry I have to ask....Born in July 2004 group...that would make you 2????

 

[KelNottAt]

Sorry, no, I wouldn't do it.

I have been preaching internet safety to my kids recently and one of the cardinal rules is NEVER meet internet "friends" in person. So, in order to practice what I preach, I couldn't accept the ride. But that's just me. You wouldn't be risking any parenthood hypocrisy, so do what you're comfortable with.

BTW, regrettably, this internet rule is the reason I will never be able to attend any DIS meets (at least for the next 7 - 10 years).

 

[Annette_VA]

Sorry I have to ask....Born in July 2004 group...that would make you 2????

LOL. No, it would make her child 2. It's a board for moms who were pregnant & due in July 2004 or had kids in July 2004.

I'm a member of a tight-knit June 2001 board

 

[lecach]

He IS a Dan Murphy type - very social. He's getting everyone organized for the meet and greet on board. He arranged an IM chat last week. Another couple that is on the cruise are friends he met on a cruise a few years ago. DS is a reporter so thats probably where the distrust comes from. The guy giving us a ride will probably do something funny since I told him DH was nervous. Would not surprise me to see body bags and duct tape in the trunk!

 

[CathrynRose]

I'd do it - but I like to live on the edge.

Trust your gut - honestly, Im sure it'd be fine.

I know the Dis - all girls - meet in September, there's girls sharing rooms - whom they only know from the board. Id be more worried about that - then a car ride with my husband along.

I'd do it.

 

[SC Minnie]

If I were alone the answer would be no. But if it were both DH and I we would probably do it. Like CathrynRose said trust your gut. We have met quite a few people from this board as well as Cruise Critic.

I would be sure to get this guys name, address, and phone (home and cell) in case something happened-- either good or bad.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I would rent a car and meet them for lunch.

 

[zurgswife]

I would. But because I've been willing to meet many internet friends over the years I have a huge group of friends I wouldn't have ever met.

 

[sweet angel]

Sorry, no, I wouldn't do it.

I have been preaching internet safety to my kids recently and one of the cardinal rules is NEVER meet internet "friends" in person. So, in order to practice what I preach, I couldn't accept the ride. But that's just me. You wouldn't be risking any parenthood hypocrisy, so do what you're comfortable with.

BTW, regrettably, this internet rule is the reason I will never be able to attend any DIS meets (at least for the next 7 - 10 years).

I met 3 internet friends this past weekend. We had a blast. As far as I know, there were no axe murderers among us!

 

[L107ANGEL]

I met 3 internet friends this past weekend. We had a blast. As far as I know, there were no axe murderers among us!

I fooled you

 

[DizBelle]

Which cruise are you going on?

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I keep trying to meet people from online, but they keep sending me to vacant lots.

ETA: I did once have a great DIS meet with a rabid monkey.

 

[sha_lyn]

I probably would, but then again everyone in my family thought I was nuts for attending a DIS meet about 5 yrs ago.

 

[Beth76]

Sorry I have to ask....Born in July 2004 group...that would make you 2????

LOL! Sorry for the confusion. Annette is right. My son is almost two. Our group met when we were all expecting in July 2004. Now it's Born in July 2004 board.

Some of us have met before and some haven't. We'll have two girls to a room (just like the DIS girls meet). I'm actually staying with someone I've met before. I think there's one other "couple" who have previously met as well. Everyone else will be seeing each other for the first time. But like I said, there are only 30 people on the board so it's a lot more intimate than the DIS.

OP, It will be fine. Think of it this way. You'll get a head start on chumming it up with the big group. You'll be "in" with the head guy. Have a good time on your cruise. And in the future, don't tell your mom about these things. I'm actually surprised that my parents aren't concerned about my internet meet-up. I guess they know that I've already met some of these women.

 

[smilie]

I would do it, especially if he's the Dan Murphy type. Very trustworthy. But if something deep down is giving you some alarm, listen to it.

 

[smilie]

I keep trying to meet people from online, but they keep sending me to vacant lots.

ETA: I did once have a great DIS meet with a rabid monkey.

Now there's a quote for the tag fairy!!!