Can you really call the relationships you build strictly online “friendships”? How well do you really know someone that you’ve never met in real life? When these “friendships” go sour, is it really a big loss? Somehow, I’ve acquired many of these so-called friendships. Some of them mean a great deal to me. I “talk” with these people every day. In many cases, I have more contact with them than I do with my real life friends. When I have falling outs with them, it has a great impact on me. Some part of me wishes I would keep these people at arm’s length. I don’t need the added drama in my life. On the other hand, I’ve gotten to know some wonderful people who have enriched my life through my relationships with them. I’ve even been lucky enough to met some of them in real life. Whenever I travel to a new city, I know there’s a chance to met up with someone new. I remember the first time I met one of my online friends. We were in his city for a convention and while I knew the weekend would be busy, I made a point of going out to lunch with him. When we met, it felt like I was visiting with an old friend that I hadn’t seen in a while, not meeting a complete stranger for the first time. When we go back there again later this summer, I can’t wait to see him again, find out how his wife and family are doing, how their business is growing, ect. I wouldn’t give up those experiences for anything. I guess by limiting my involvement with online relationships, I would limit those kind of experiences, too. I guess I need to accept the negative in order to also have the positive experiences. I just can’t help feeling a little silly over losing a friend who I’ve never met in real life.
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Yes, and I do. However, my hubby looks at me funny when I say “My online friend —- said ….”
Yes, I would call them friendship, but just like our IRL friendships, all are different.
I’ve been thinking a bit more about what you said.
I have also found it easier to have diverse friendships online — at least in the area’s I frequent. IRL friends who are not Orthodox always seems a bit standoffish. Like they’re afraid I’m going to convert their children or something.
Most of my friendships are online.
an online friend of mine decided to take a break for a while, it was my idea first, but I decided against it. We’ve been friends for 2+ years through this social networking site, which seems crazy to me…long time it seems.
So one of her “real friends” had joined the social networking site recently and just this week, she won’t say what happened but they had some kind of falling out due to something that happened online, i’ve no idea- but now she wants a break- from everyone not just me so…really though
I wonder if this is normal
is it ok to have such a close friendship with someone online? or what you consider to be close anyway…
I work in the film industry, i’m not bad looking, and i have lots of friends and good aquaintances that i REALLY know (my friends that think she and i met on a random set-location)
Theres that stigma attached that only weirdos or unattractive people find realtionships online, but I dont fit that bill – how many other people can relate to what I’m saying?
is it ok to feel emotion or hurt for someone youve only talked to online?
Not sure who to talk to, and I wish there were more info on this kind of thing online.
Hmm…good blog! thanks.
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