The Relationship Between Creator and Created
Love
Once you start roleplaying, you'll notice something called the Writer's Affection begin to develop. WA is the process through which a writer and their character connect. Through this, we develop Character Patterns, meaning that most of our future characters will have something in common with this special character. WA is, for lack of a better word, the love a writer has for their creation. It is pride in a job done right, joy at being able to write so well with the character, and actual love of the character as one loves a character in a book or movie. This is normal and a wonderful thing.
Connection
Sometimes, WA becomes so strong that we begin to take on the characteristics of our character, or vice versa. This is expected and completely normal as well. You may find yourself using language like your character, or even making choices the way your character would. This is safe as long as the choices are not bad ones, such as doing illegal things or becoming distant from your real life family and friends. A connection with your creation can be perfectly healthy.
Merge
However, when the connection grows so strong that you, in essence, merge with your character, it can be dnagerous. It is one thing to have a writer's "affair" with your character, meaning that you experience your character's feelings when writing your posts. But when you become so close to your creation that insults to it becomes insulting to you, or love it has for other characters becomes your love, and anything like these scenarios, you need to back away and severe a fews connections. Take a reality check, and if you repeatedly seem to merge with your character, it may be best to leave for brighter shores.... no matter how painful. This is because it causes stress, and stress can ruin your writing and your relationship with those around you... in and out of the roleplay.