> > O'Regan, Emlyn wrote: in a purely text-based
> > relationship, how is physical gender really relevant? In fact, how many of
> > the components of your identity really have relevance in such a context?
>
> Two excellent questions, Emlyn. I have been pondering these:
> Do men talk differently to men than to women? Assuming none are
> hoping for a sexual encounter, such as a conversation taking place
> at work, why would you choose different words and phrases when
> talking to different genders?
Because subconsciously we still hope to score, I guess ;-)
> Or is there such a thing as a completely nonsexual context?
I doubt it; we're hardwired to spread our genes. Every other individual will inevitably (sub)consciously) be evaluated as a potential mate.