How can I tell when it's time for me and my girlfriend to finally meet?

[harold12]

I’ve recently started online dating and somehow matched with this amazing woman from abroad. I’m no good at these type of things which makes me thankful for a foreign affairs by pairing me with my girlfriend.

We’ve been chatting, emailing, skyping, and calling each other for a couple of months. I’m wondering when’s the right time to meet her in person.

How can I tell when it’s time to take the next step forward in our relationship? I don’t want to seem like I’m rushing things and leave her with a bad impression.

Besides knowing when the right time is, are there any other factors I need to consider before making a move? Are there any things I should plan ahead of time and jot down in my agenda? If I do feel like everything is at its place, I want our date to be special and not be some casual meet and greet thing.

I can personally say that being far behind in the dating scene has left me clueless and lost but I am pretty confident that once I get everything in place, I could pull off a great evening for my special lady. Money isn’t an issue for me as long as I get to meet my girlfriend whether it be ticket fares, hotel booking fees, and so on. How do you guys think I should bring it up to her?

Should I make the travel arrangements before letting her know, or should I try surprising her? If so, is there anything I should take into account? Any comments and tips are greatly appreciated! Thanks so much in advance!

[SapphireFox]

I am in a long distance relationship with my bf for 4 years and we just met this year. The most important thing to know is, does she want you to visit her? You have to ask her. My boyfriend immediatly wanted to visit me in the first year suddenly. I said no, because I did not had time for him because of university. SO PLEASe, don't surprise her, that can totally fail and all your efforts where for nothing.

Do you even know what she likes? What kind of places she wants to go? Try to figure that out in some "what if " conversations.

In any case, I would advise you DO NOT go all out. You said you talk a couple of months? Also if that sounds rough but it's nothing. You might feel like doing anything for that person but reality is you only discovered the tip of the iceberg that is her character. So first dates are good to test the waters. Maybe just a small little café.
Do you go to her or do you want her to visit you? You also should ask her if she is comfortable living in the same room as you (I wasn't, that does not mean i didn't love my boo) in case you book a hotel or place to stay.

So number 1) ASK her if she wants to meet (not specify how)
2) Ask her if she is ok with meeting her at her place, or if she would come to see you too. Or maybe meet in the middle.
3) Never mention money! Try to find out if she would be willing to pay for her own trip. If she says NO, ask her why, maybe she just can't afford it. But it's always good to know if she'd put the same effort for you.
4) Arrange the date by also acknowledging her timetable
You can still surprise her by not telling her where to go exactly for a date. But again. Start little. It might be bad if later on you dont take her to fancy places anymore, she might get a little pissy (I get spoiled too, even if i dont care about stuff like money)

[Zinok]

I think you should continue to get to know her for longer.
The relationship is really new, and you should feel comfortable talking to her about all the things you've brought up with us before considering meeting her. And no, I don't think you should surprise her, not at this stage in your relationship.