So, I am alone but still have contact with a married man online

Agreed wholeheartedly. I would be most suspicious of any man telling me for a year that he's in an open marriage. I would be suspicious of anyone with whom I am carrying a long-term relationship that consists of only online communications. The in-person meeting is SO important. I suspect trouble with this man. People can pretend to be anyone they wish online.

It’s scary if he or she is a teenager. I heard that people can get in legal trouble communicating in this manner with a teenager even they think they are talking to an adult. Not the same exact situation but if a person watches porn assuming they are watching an adult actor but in reality it’s not an adult (and a victim of trafficking to boot), you can get in a lot of trouble. I’d insist on tangible proof who this person is, his address, name, place of employment etc And would do a background check just to be safe

I've talked to him on video chat and on the phone. I've seen him . He is real and not catfishing me. It is interesting that you would think I would falls for someone I have never seen. I have been there so I don't do such things anymore. He is who he says he is. And, he is on linked in and facebook where I am friends with him. He also has written research papers since he is a professor. He is too busy these days to talk with me because of his mother's situation. I don't talk to him that much anymore. So, the contact may just die from lack of communication. I wrote about him because I like him but realize that he may not be too interested in me. It is ok. Life continues. I write him and send him pictures still. But, he just reads my messages these days and says nothing because he is too involved with his mother's care. He is not a bad person. He knows I don't have much money so I don't think he is interested in me for money which he has enough anyways. He knows me well and is nice to me. This means a lot to me. I may or may not meet him if he comes here. I will wait to see what happens but am not holding my breath about it.

Ok. Fair enough.

Good post.

I have not met him yet. He plans to come here but has not yet. I am not expecting him to come anytime soon because of the pandemic. He sent me a message the other day being supportive of me because I told him I was lonely. He is really busy and not really communicating with me anymore. I send him pictures and messages still but know we are just online friends for now. I don't expect too much from him. He has his family and problems too. I think I will just focus on myself and try to improve my situation by working on myself. Thank you all for your replies!!

Sure he has lots of good things that confort you and you like so I understand how you feel and I understand your needs. Said that, listen to your guts...they are talking to you out loud. I can feel them in some of your posts in this thread.
Remember that he has a wife, a family to take care of, a life...as you have your life and sometimes, there are too much things against to built a relationship with somebody.

Do you think you and he can stay together only as friends?