In a relationship but never met?

[drdata]

 I am conducting a study for my doctoral dissertation looking at characteristics of individuals who are involved in online romantic relationships with people they have never met face-to-face

Comments

[wife_and_mom]

What if we married the person we were in the relationship with? Is it strictly for those who have never met face to face?

Like in my situation, I only dated one guy online, we talked for 4 years as friends then decided to try a relationship, that relationship has been ongoing for six years, four of them we've been married and have two kids. Just kind of curious if the survey involves marrying the person or if it's strictly assuming that the relationship has ended or will end.