How to Make Good Friends in the Game Second Life

Second Life is a virtual game where you can do just about anything you ever wanted to do. Want to see Africa and go on a safari or a hot air balloon ride over the landscape? Want to go ice-skating in a beautiful park where romance blossoms? It's all here, right at your finger tips. But what if you are the type of person who likes to make new friends - ones that are trustworthy, fun, and decent? It can be done in Second Life. Even though there are many dangers associated with this virtual world (including most people just being here for sexual encounters, etc.), there are lots of fun and exciting things as well. Here are some handy tips on how to make worthwhile friends in Second Life.

Use the Nearby People button and read profiles, then IM people. You can often get to know a lot about a person in Second Life by what they put in their profile. Those who may be here just for sexual encounters may talk about wanting to "have a good time" or their words may sound very romantic or flirtatious. Steer clear of these people! Steer clear from those who leave their profiles blank, as well. On the other hand, those who may be worth your time will probably talk about things they are interested in - perhaps space exploration, or other things that they love to do in Second Life. They may even come right out and say that they are not interested in romance, sex, etc. - and these will be just the ones (most likely) for you to befriend!

Go right up and begin chatting! This is another way to make friends, but with this (as in real life) you may not know what you're getting into. As stated before, many people frequent Second Life for rather innapropriate reasons, and so you may find yourself in a conversation that turns very intimate and overly friendly. They may complement you on your avatar's appearance, or simply say sweet things to you ... steer clear! You are looking for intelligent conversations.

Sit in a public place with lots of people around, perhaps in a sim (a land) that perks your interest. Are you interested in space exploration? Why not take a seat in a sim that deals with space exploration, watch the people pass by, and strike up casual conversation. Of course, you will want to use the same caution that was noted in the previous paragraph, because even though you may not be in a "romantic" setting in Second Life, there are creeps everywhere.

Yes, some worthwhile friends can be made in Second Life... but some not-so-good ones can be found as well. Use your perceptive powers and be careful who you strike up conversation with (or, really, who strikes up conversation with you), and have a fun time.