I have great hesitations, and many questions, about this man that you have been talking to. I know that's not what you want to hear, and I am truly sorry, but it is the truth. I would like to give you some advice, that I pray that you will listen to. There is an on-line group of people called SafetyEd, and they help patrol the internet. These are truly good people, who only want to protect.
Friend there is abuse that occurs all the time on the internet.
Now your man may be a sweet, gentle, man on IRC, but you must be aware that they may NOT be the case in real life. I think that the answer is no. I think that you have been lonely, and needing someone to just listen, and that this cyber man has been doing exactly that for you. Friend we all have needs, and yours haven't been met by your husband. Please consider talking to your husband, if he doesn't listen find a counselor that you can talk to.