Breaking up online

Perhaps the worst thing about trying to have a long distance relationship online (either with a Mother, or a lover, or a friend)  is the fact that you don’t know how real the other person’s endearments are.  I can call friends and family 'darling', 'sweetie', and really mean it, but how does I know if I’m being given the runaround so to speak?  Why should I even care? And the disagreements that can happen online can be devestating, because you just never know if the person is 'yelling' while they are typing, or just being matter of fact.  Arguments can me misconstrued, when not held face to face.   

Case in point, the argument with a old friend of mine.  Close enough that we called each other sisters.  She didn’t understand what I was trying to say.  I thought I was being so succinct and generous and she ‘heard’ it differently.  She got enaged, and didn't tell me.  And because I heard of her engagement on FB second hand rather than her telling me to my face, I was so very hurt.  I felt that she should have called me.  I should not have happened to glance at her profile and seen ‘engaged’ in her profile.  It still drives me mental thinking about it.  The argument that ensued was bitter and almost to the point of viciousness.  She broke my heart, but she couldn't see my face to see it, and I was too proud/stubborn to tell her in print.  We agreed to disagree (in print), but we didn't really forgive.  It festered, and when we argued face to face the next time, it all came spewing forth and we fell apart. We are now 'divorced' (perhaps a good way to say it).  And I think that it is partially our 'internet' argument that's to blame (plus my pride, her stubborness, blah blah blah).  I miss her every day.