One hot summer's day a Fox was strolling through an orchard
till he came to a bunch of Grapes just ripening on a vine which
had been trained over a lofty branch. "Just the thing to quench
my thirst," quoth he. Drawing back a few paces, he took a run and a jump, and just missed the bunch. Turning round again with a One, Two, Three, he jumped up, but with no greater success. Again and again he tried after the tempting morsel, but at last had to give it up, and walked away with his nose in the air, saying: "I am sure they are sour."
This fable of Aesop illustrates the need to be careful whenever we read a report on the internet of someone being scammed.
There is no doubt that many persons are being scammed. But perhaps some of these claims could fall under the description of “Sour Grapes.” This might be especially true when there is only one report and no other confirmation.
We must remember that when we foster these "cyber-relationships" we are dealing with a person who like ourselves is constantly evaluating whether the relationship should be progressed or not. There are many good reasons why a woman may decide not to pursue the relationship. This may even be after some time and after she has received some money or gifts from you. Her change does not always mean she was "scamming" and alone does not mean anything.
If someone has this experience with a lady, before filing a report of being "scammed", pause and evaluate the situation carefully. Of course, it can be expected that a legitimate girl will usually give some explanation of her conduct but this may not happen in every circumstance. Usually your gut instinct will tell you what may have happened. It may be useful to review the Warning Signs and to review and reflect upon the nature of the relationship as a whole.
If you progressed to the point where you actually met in person, and then she has rejected you, it should not be surprising that she learned something about you during the visit that now leads her in a different direction. After all, it is precisely during these visits that we can get to know the person in a rich and comprehensive way that is simply not available in distant relations.
Therefore let us be careful not to be like the fox and cry “Sour Grapes” just because the relationship does not go the way we would like or expect. Relationships are not written stories but are living breathing animals that must be nurtured with understanding, respect, support and love.
Let's remember the moral of the Sour Grapes fable: It is easy to despise what you cannot get.
