I Believe That Internet Friends Are Real
Absolutely. And they're the best sort friends I've ever had in my life.
I haven't had a "real life" friend since I was 15 years old. The friends I've had since then, and the friends I have now, are online; each one from a different country. I used to depress myself over how alone I was in the real world, because what teen and young adult doesn't have friends to hang out with? I worried too much about what I was possibly missing out on, and what was "normal". Then one day I realised and accepted that I'm not normal, and I'm perfectly content with not having friends that I can see in the flesh. As long as there is someone, or someone's, that I can connect with and share with, then who cares where they are in the world?
I've probably missed out on a lot of experiences, but I've chosen to focus on the emotional and intellectual connections I've made, and I feel as though that all makes up for missing out on an "ordinary" life of socialising with people offline. If I'm sad or happy and have something to talk to someone about, instead of meeting up with a friend at a coffee shop or wherever, I hop onto my computer or phone and send a message. It's not that much different; I still have someone who wants to listen, who I want to listen to, we're just doing it thousands of kilometres apart.
Friends online have been more understanding, accepting, and dedicated than any real life friend I've had in my entire life. One day I may even meet these people in person, but if not, then who cares? They'll remain true friendships regardless.
I haven't had a "real life" friend since I was 15 years old. The friends I've had since then, and the friends I have now, are online; each one from a different country. I used to depress myself over how alone I was in the real world, because what teen and young adult doesn't have friends to hang out with? I worried too much about what I was possibly missing out on, and what was "normal". Then one day I realised and accepted that I'm not normal, and I'm perfectly content with not having friends that I can see in the flesh. As long as there is someone, or someone's, that I can connect with and share with, then who cares where they are in the world?
I've probably missed out on a lot of experiences, but I've chosen to focus on the emotional and intellectual connections I've made, and I feel as though that all makes up for missing out on an "ordinary" life of socialising with people offline. If I'm sad or happy and have something to talk to someone about, instead of meeting up with a friend at a coffee shop or wherever, I hop onto my computer or phone and send a message. It's not that much different; I still have someone who wants to listen, who I want to listen to, we're just doing it thousands of kilometres apart.
Friends online have been more understanding, accepting, and dedicated than any real life friend I've had in my entire life. One day I may even meet these people in person, but if not, then who cares? They'll remain true friendships regardless.
26-30, F
