norit,

It is quite understandable to be attached to people you meet online if you are shy/introverted/highly sensitive/fearful/low self esteem.  I encourage you to find people in real life to connect with.  There are MeetUp groups and online communities that are local to the town/geography.  There are volunteer opportunities abound.

I have friends who are very sensitive or fearful who still manage to connect with some people (like myself).  Some are artists who focus their energies to art.  Some read a lot (book club maybe?).  Those are introverted activities.  You may want to find help if your social phobia is that crippling.  Do you work?  Talk with people there?

I can relate about the challenges to make conversation.  I find that if I am curious then asking people about themselves gets the ball rolling.  People always like to talk about themselves.  If they are good listeners as well then they would like to hear from you as well.

I suggest you don’t hang you hat onto this one online guy.  You can waste a lot of time and grief tracking his actions.

Mark