The idiomatic expression "face to face" means meeting someone directly, in person, rather than through a third party or by other indirect means. Full definition
The middle aged ones of course that agree with meeting face to face with people that you meet before from your group of friends or something alike. (singleslovedates.com)
So, you must be comfortable when meeting face to face with a person. (datingaa.com)
I found the experience of coming face to face with these sharks to be as thrilling as I'd hoped but for but I definitely learned a few pointers from my experience. (uponarriving.com)