Picking just one internet friend would be unfair, and I can’t and won’t do it. I have so many of you, and you have all enriched my life so much. Most people don’t understand the social world of the internet. When I tell them that I’ve never actually met some of my best friends, they think it’s weird. They don’t understand how that could be. I refer to you as “my friend so-and-so” in stories or to friends, as if I do know you. Because I feel like I do. Some of you know more about me than the guy that sits next to me at the bar 4 times a week.
As painful as networking on the internet can be, as personally attacked as I so often am, it is far more rewarding than hurtful. I have a support system and network that reaches out to me when I need it. I’ve had people I’ve never met send me things. Help me find jobs. Give me money when I desperately needed it. Help me write academic papers. Help me arrange aspects of my move. Things that people that have never met me have no right helping me with!
I’ve met some of you in “real life.” And it’s been like I’ve known you forever. Tearing down the virtual wall wasn’t weird. I knew who you were, and you knew me. I hope to meet more of you in the future. Thank you, all of you, for being my friend through thick and thin, and for supporting someone that you’ve never met. I’ve gotten through some really rough spots with your help, and these friendships I’ve forged mean more to me than you know.
Brit
I'm Britni, a snarky bitch and generally awesome person. I write about sex, love, and bullshit. If sex-positivity, discussions about BDSM and kink, queer issues, and topics that are completely inappropriate by society's standards make you uncomfortable, then this blog is not for you.
Good Vibes 
5 Comments
I do that ‘my friend so and so’ thing all the time!
xoxox
I relate to this so much. My meaningful internet friendships outweigh my meaningful ‘meat space’ friendships. My friendship with you is one of those! I hope one day to meet up with you; I dream of moving to Boston someday so maybe we”ll meet up out there sometime in the future. ^.^
I hope you bring your ass to Chicago so we can hug it out soon!
Bish. I <3 you.
Just had a not so happy discussion about this very thing with my mother. Thanks Britni – this post made me feel just a little bit sane.