When I started blogging I never imagined I would make friends in this space or that anyone would read or enjoy this space other than those who knew me in real life .
And yet over the years I’ve come to read blogs and think of those bloggers as friends. But I’ve always wondered if it was real. The comments, the Facebook messages, the “hugs” and positive vibes were real.I would see blogger conferences and read about meeting in real life and how it was like meeting a long lost friend . And I wondered is this real? Does this really happen? Do people really make friendships online? I was a skeptic. And honestly didn’t believe that the online love would include me.When I found out friends were coming to Blogger Bash I may have done a happy dance around my kitchen . I may have sent overly excited Facebook messages.
Jess for the first time and she hugged me and said, “I feel like I already know you” I knew it was real.
When I shouted Kristen’s name across a crowded room and we hugged and laughed. I knew it was real.
When Shell brought over another round of purple drinks and we hugged and chatted and talked about meeting up . I knew that it was real.
And it’s not just these friendships. It’s the friends I’ve rediscovered via Facebook ones that I thought were lost to childhood memories. And those who I used to work with that I’ve managed to stay connected with thanks to Facebook pictures, messages and Instagrams. It’s friends who I don’t see often enough who I can keep up with via social media. Who’s kids I watch grow up and who I commiserate with about all the trying times in motherhood.
There is a lot of awful out there, lots of negativity and ugly and down right mean on social media. But I think of all the good social media has brought me. The friendships both old, new and renewed and the support system it’s helped me build. How it’s managed to bring people into my life I might have never met and help keep people around that I may have lost.
So yeah all that social media love and friendship, it’s real even if we don’t always see enough of each other.
Online friendships really can be real. I'm finding myself fostering them. 🙂
I know isn't it amazing!
I know exactly what you mean! While I haven't had the experience of meeting any of my blogging sisters, I have met some of my fellow "China moms" in person (women I've connected with through adoption forums). After waiting, wondering, paperwork and a lot of stress eating, I met my friend Lauren on a Saturday morning in Guangzhou China. We were both toting toddlers we'd known for less than a week. We spent a week together doing our embassy paperwork and sightseeing. She is like family and was from the moment I met her in person. This was a very "feel good" post and I found myself smiling after I read it!
Jill even though it's not exactly the same I know exactly what you mean.
Love commiserating over motherhood with friends from High School on social media. Even though they are all over the country, it really does make me feel connected to them. Like, if we did see each other again at a reunion or something it would be less awkward.
Amy it definitely makes things less awkward when you see them in person and it is so nice to be able to have that connection.
Oh yes, online friendships are definitely real! I'm glad you got to connect with so many wonderful people.
Thanks Alison, hopefully some day I'll get to meet up with you too!
The beauty of finding hope amidst devastation came via online friednships that were built in the wake of my son's passing. Without them – the other crazy people who understood why i was awake at 3am – i never owuld have survived. Yup. Blessings
Mary Ellen I am so glad that you were able to find friendship and understanding through the internet, hugs.
It totally is real. I value the friendships I have made in this space!
Me too, isn't it great!
I have now three very, VERY close friends who I've NEVER met in person, but would do anything for. They have come through for me, and I hope I've come through for them – as much as you can online. Weird how the internet can build an intimate friendship, isn't it?
It is the most bizarre but wonderful thing.
I totally thought you and Jess were long time friends! Loved hanging out with you guys. I had so much fun!
I had so much fun too Caitlin, I'm so glad you met up with us. And this comment made me smile so much. We have to catch up again.
This made me smile! I absolutely adore you and still think you and Kristen need to show up on my doorstep. I won't force purple drinks on you, but I will have wine. 😉
I totally want to show up on your doorstep with some Blue Chair Rum. We need to make this happen 🙂
I love this. So heartwarming and so true. I love the online friendships I've made!
Thank you!
I hope we get to meet someday so I can give you a real HUG too! So glad you were able to see how real these friends can be!! 😀
Me too Elaine! You were the first blog I ever read, I feel hugs are long overdue.
Some of my best friends live in my computer!
Mine too!