Does it matter whether or not your girlfriend is imaginary?

For all intents and purposes, she was real to you. She had an independent will (at least, you could not consciously control her). Though she had no corporeal form, our long-distance friends that we only see through the mail, internet, etc. are the same. It made you happy to treat her well and to spend time with her.

So, what difference does it make?

The way I see it is: while imaginary people can serve a purpose, treating them like real people is a waste... All of the time and effort you put into your imaginary girlfriend, who can't truly feel emotions, could have been given to a real girl whose thoughts and feelings genuinely exist. You could have actually made someone else happy too.

Of course, you have to enjoy the relationship, or it's not worth it either... perhaps when you were "dating" Vanessa, you weren't ready for a real-life relationship; you would not have been able to derive happiness from one. But now that you two have "broken up", perhaps it's a sign from your subconscious (because I don't see how an imaginary person could have truly independent will; s/he on some level must be controlled by you) that you're ready to transition to real-life beings...

Some people have suggested that you go out and look for a girlfriend, but in my opinion, you should let it come naturally rather than actively search for one... it's a lot less frustrating. Are there any women that capture your attention? Try talking to them and see what happens. But don't go out and purposely look for "women to whom I might be attracted".