There are two schools of thought about online-based TPE; one is that it isn't possible, and the other is that any success is a unicorn scenario.

I give complete respect to those that feel that TPE just can't be done online. The challenge of A) Finding two people that are serious about TPE, B) Have their interests, needs, personalities and communication requirements complemented in one another and C) Being able to have such a deeply intense dynamic between two people not in physical contact, let alone regular physical contact, with one another is, to say the least, extremely daunting.

In the end, it boils down to objectives and goals, and understanding that it isn't for the majority of kinksters. It is exceptionally unique, and fragile. How to establish trust? How to balance between the Dom feeling like he is being an unpaid life coach versus the Sub feeling that she is being pressured to be a unpaid 24-7 exhibitionist? How to work through issues of communication, off hours, the need to disconnect and taking breaks? From the Dom's perspective, probably one of the hardest aspects is dealing with failure if it gets called off by the Sub. A good deal of groundwork can be learned from and adapted for the next opportunity, but you need to start over, which is exhausting.

Some general thoughts about what are signs it may work:

• Both parties communicate what they are looking for from the beginning, and why they are looking for it.
• Both parties respect one another's limits.
• Both parties focus on learning from breakdowns rather than rush to blame and punishment.
• Both parties show discipline, organization, creativity, and patience.
• There are milestones to move towards, rather than overarching goals.

I tend to believe that the best online TPE Submissives are those that have fairly put-together lives, and are seeking to hold off on traditional dating relationships for a decent period of time. Nobody can do this forever. But is that truly the goal?

All journeys come to an end. The purpose of an online TPE journey is to enjoy it for the duration, and to enjoy the company.