Hi...
Do one or both of you have a
dynamic IP ?
If so, you will want to be using some chat mode in order to pass on your current IP(s).
I would NOT suggest using the chat in LimeWire (or any other client) for trying to establish 'direct connects'... I say this for the simple reason that you may be wanting to exit LimeWire and relaunch it... Better to use a separate chat link...
I have done many, many 100's of hours of so-called 'direct connecting' and have never ceased to be surprised at the bs that pops up and rains on the parade... (Cleaned that last bit up quite a bit !!!)
I am not familiar enough with LimeWire to make a specific comment, but with most clients you must
allow many functions in order to do the 'direct connecting' properly...
Lord of the Rings appears to be another socio-path such as ourselves in way of wanting to occassionaly use Gnutella Network 'privately' !
Perhaps he can assist you, as he has others on this subject.
I just don't know enough of the simple steps in LimeWire to guide you with a button-pushing scenario !