I have been a member of a social network since 2003 and have met hundreds of people from all over the world. I've met some of the most amazing women and made some very good friends. I've even travelled to meet them, met their husbands and children, even stayed in their homes, gone to their weddings. I've been to Georgia, Michigan and Las Vegas to visit these friends and they have come to Chicago to visit me. Most are my age, but several are young women, 18-23 who are just starting out in life. They've become like my adopted little sisters. We talk about life, relationships and what's really important in life. It's amazing how these girls pour their hearts out seeking guidance and wisdom. I feel honored to offer what guidance I can. To watch them going through some of the same things I did at that age, making the same mistakes is a learning experience for me.
We have quite the little 'click' of friends online and we've been together for going on 5 years now. I know so much about these women. Their thoughts, feelings, desires. Intimate details about their lives that their own families don't know. Then, it occured to me that they also know things about me that my own sisters/family don't know. And I thought, "Why is that?" Is it because we communicate mostly through blogging in private groups? Is it because online, we can hide behind fake screen names and only reveal our 'true' identities to those we carefully choose? Maybe we feel safe with each other because, in the 'real everyday world' there is no threat that we'd reveal each other's deepest secrets because we don't see each other but maybe once a year if that.
Whatever the reason, I decided that I would try starting a blog for my (real) self and my (real) family and see if it might bring us closer. I know Charyn's blog has given me a deeper look into what makes her tick on a daily basis and it's pretty neat.
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5 comments:
I feel the same as you about better comunication, your correct it is easier to write then to talk. You have time to frame your thoughts, with out having to worry about your body language or tone and inflection of the words you use. An e-mail dosen't work as well,because it only convays things to one person at a time who might feel compled to answer. while the blog you can answer or add as you feel at your own pace.
Did you consider adding Tracy & Jon to your Blog list?
I did email the link to Tracy and Jon and invited them to post updates about the baby as he developes and after he's born. Great minds think alike!
I like the concept of the blog because multiple people can take part in the same conversation over time...we don't all have to be online at the same time and we don't have to do any awkward forwarding and stuff. It's come pretty naturally to me.
Caryl, I think it is awesome that you have a whole on-line family. It is really great to connect with people and share common experiences. I've realy enjoyed having a little sister. It's nice to help someone through a difficult time. It can be very healing to the soul.
you know, I have learned a lot from my online friends and expanded my horizons.
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