Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Online vs. IRL

Hello blog world.
     Like many others, I belong to several online message boards/forums. I also enjoy the world of online computer games and social networks like Facebook and Twitter. You hear a lot of people talk negatively about people being on their computers and not interacting with people IRL (in real life) enough. I do have to say that we are raising a generation dependent on technology(that's a whole other topic) but is there really anything wrong with having cyber friends? Are they "real" friends even though they aren't IRL? Why can't they be considered IRL, they are real people. It kind of reminds me of pen pals, just a faster delivery process :)
     I'll be the first to admit, I am a bad friend. With 5 children, everyday chores, homeschooling, and time with the hubby there leaves little time to hang with friends. I'm also a very introverted person, always have been. I've had my share of close friends but I was happiest with just a cpl good friends. I enjoy being at home, I enjoy spending time with my kids and my husband and well...the need to go out and socialize just isn't there for me. For someone like me, cyber friends are great. I can get on and "talk" when I have time or I can just get on and "lurk" to see what everyone is up to. I don't have to make excuses for not wanting to go shopping or out for coffee. I don't have to sit on the phone and try to listen while kids are yelling and playing in the background, heck I don't even have to worry about doing my hair or make up or what I am wearing.
     I could make up a whole different life online if I wanted, but what's funny is I find it so easy and comfortable to be completely honest online. It kind of feels like a safety net, I'm not worried about being the weird outsider or not having the most stylish clothes, etc. They are in cyber world, they can't see me(unless I want them to) and if I say something stupid it will get lost in the posts quickly or I can delete it.
     Yet, I still hear myself saying "someone on my message board" when I am discussing an online conversation with someone IRL. I really want to say "My friend said...." or "My friend went through that too". Why is it so taboo to admit you have REAL friends in your REAL life that you met online and have never met in person?
     I guess I just want to say that, especially in one online group, I have met some REAL friends. I know that I can go to these ladies and talk about anything and wow, we definitely have. I know that I can go and vent, share my frustrations, share my joys, talk about adult things, mom things, and well just talk about life......REAL LIFE.
     You ladies know who you are, and I just want to say Thank you. Thanks for being such good friends. Sometimes life gets busy, especially with new babies and you can kind of feel lost in the transition. You feel left out of certain groups, no longer want to be part of others and you can end up feeling pretty alone. But just know that it's okay to call your online friends, REAL friends and that we are there for each other.

Coming soon: We are about to start our new school year. We are all moved in to our new house and I have my favorite room done, our school room. Pictures to come soon.


5 comments:

Skatha said...

Aww! I feel the same! You ladies are some of the best friends I have!

Kathryn S. said...

I feel the same way!

Wowowolfie said...

test

I agree! my online friends are better friends then my "real life" friends!

DeShanna said...

I feel the same way! ((hugs))

Michael Edlavitch said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.