Ode to My Online Friends

"The more, the merrier."
It has been said that you can't have too many friends, and this new age of e-friendships puts that statement to the test. By and large, it remains as true today as it ever did. While it's very beneficial to have a thousand friends on assorted social networks, it is difficult to express to each of them how much they have helped you and how appreciative you are of their kind words.

"This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship." ~ Rick, in "Casablanca"
My online experience started very simply and very alone. I restricted myself to online research and relaxed with a few online games, speaking to no one. For whatever reason (divine providence, perhaps?), I wandered into a bowling game room on my favorite gaming site. Between frames, I watched the chat box scrolling madly. The people there were friendly and funny. Before I knew it, I was joking back with them, sharing joys and sorrows and learning their real names. I found my friends list growing at an alarming rate, and I just couldn't wait to get back to talk to my wonderful new friends. Oh yeah...and the games were kind of fun too.

"Look out world, here I come!"
That core of online friends remains very near and dear to my heart. They are still the best friends that I've ever had and they are absolutely irreplaceable. They are the originators of my desire to crawl out of my shell and find more people to befriend. I'm not sure what my first timid steps outside of my little Internet comfort zone was, but I felt the need to express myself creatively and expand my horizons. Each time I joined another group or posted another blog, I was less apprehensive about meeting and getting to know new people.

My online friendships seem to fall into a number of different categories. It is quite common to start with people you already know. You've worked with them or gone to school with them and you frequently bump into them at the grocery store. Whether this group is large or small, they deserve a category of their own. They are friends who share fond memories with you and people with whom you can easily arrange to go out to dinner.

Secondly, of course, are your dear "bff's". I am eternally grateful for my little group of best friends. They are the people who praise you, inspire you, whose only criticisms are meant to be constructive and to help you. They are the first ones to whom you go with your most exciting or devastating news. They are a great source of strength for you, and you for them.

The third group I refer to as my "ego-boosters". When you post an article, these friends do more than the minimal comments like "Good article" (although, that's nice too). They go out of their way to tell you why they liked it and how they might use your help. It indicates that they actually read your article and still liked it. You may not know quite as much about them as you do about your best friends, but their kind words will encourage you to find out more and support their efforts of self-expression.

"Great Minds Think Alike"
Next are the people who share your point of view on a given subject. Whether you have the same favorite movie or the same problems with your teenagers, they are a comfort. Humans are very social creatures and when your opinions seem to be opposite of the vast majority's viewpoint, it's nice to know that you're not alone.

"Laugh at my jokes and I'll follow you anywhere."
Finally, there are the friends you hang out with to trade smart-aleck remarks back and forth. They make you laugh, and at the same time, they have an appreciation for your unique sense of humor. I am a devout believer in the curative powers of laughter. It increases blood flow, improves memory and provides a myriad of other benefits for mind and body. If someone makes you laugh, it brightens your day. If they laugh at your jokes...you feel compelled to repeat your witticisms to all of your other friends.

"This one's for you."
I wrote this article for all my friends on all my friends lists; you know who you are. As my circle of friends continues to expand exponentially, it gets harder and harder to express my appreciation adequately to each of you. You have taught, inspired, encouraged and helped me to become a better person. For that, I simply cannot thank you enough.