Direct connecting is one of the advanced & not so easy functions of LW. Many things can affect this function. You will both need free bandwidth & slots for up/downlds. Problem might be local traffic. Also, when you select direct connect search type, is your ip address listed above the search box? If not, then you're firewalled (possibly due to a router or something.) Are either of you connecting via a network? ie: Do either of your external ip addresses start with 192 or 10 ?

Another technique is using Magnet links. You send each other a magnet link ofo one of your files. Then once it starts downlding, one of you can browse the other via the downld window & the other via the upload window.

Make sure you both have Chat enabled as this seems to improve direct connecting.

If you want to, send me a pm (press the pm button below my post) & include your ip address. I'll then see if I can direct connect with you. You could also send me a magnet link.