I certainly wasn't implying that you might be engaged in illegal activities. I just meant that any info that could link you to your real name and where you live etc could make your life hell. You may be out to friends, but having it get out at work, to the neighbours, to the police, etc might not be a picnic.

I also have friends that I talk to online about things I can't talk to people that I know about (nothing illegal, just personal stuff that I can't always talk to with "real" friends), but I actually use a different name and don't ever reveal personal info. You just never know who you're talking to and what their intentions are.

They could befriend you for years and gain your trust, and then one day when they have info, it's all over. There truly are people who will work at the relationship for years and be against you the whole time. Not trying to make you overly paranoid, but let's be realistic..