Community Chat

[dooBdoo]

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Moonchilde wrote:

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shell garden wrote:

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hooty wrote:

Don't be fooled by the title "Among Friends", don't believe everyone there is "your friend"!!!

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Whoa.....it also takes a friend to be one!  A real one that is!

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Real friends are people you talk to in the flesh. People you *know*, the good and the bad, by being aware of how they live their *whole* life, not just the bits and pieces of themselves they choose to "show" strangers on an internet forum. It's very easy to project what one chooses to project.

It's quite possible to project onesself as kind, wouldn't hurt a fly, loves everyone, never says a harsh word, donates to charity, goes to church twice a week and all the other things that make one a "perfect person" and a "real friend" in the eyes of some.

But just get one of these "perfect people" angry enough and it all goes out the window. I've seen it, and smiled wryly to myself. Sweetie-pie, indeed.

People you meet on the internet are not your friends. They are people you met on the internet, with whom you have pleasant conversations & enjoy sharing - UNTIL there's a disagreement, which is when you will see the "real" person - whom you may or may not actually even like.

I prefer the bumpier, less glossy and superficial but ultimately more honest and meaningful to me, road.

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          @Moonchilde, I do think we can make "real" friends here in some cases.    Maybe it's all in the definition of a friend?   I don't know.    But I do know some posters have gone on to post together on Facebook, or share email addresses, or even meet in person and form strong, loving bonds.    So, it can happen.

          Regarding perfect people...  I've yet to meet one.    And good people aren't always "superficial" nor are they dishonest.    I have a dear friend I often call "an angel on earth."   She's an incredible inspiration to me, with her strength of character, powerful faith, positive outlook, and so much more.    Even so, when she's in pain or life throws another giant blow...  she can have her moments.   I know I do.   I try to be thoughtful but I don't express myself as well as I'd like and, also, I do have days of pretty wretched physical or emotional pain.    I guess, because of that, I try to give others at least some benefit of the doubt rather than be judgmental of their true character.    (Not saying that's what you're doing, by the way, just a general comment.)

[catwhisperer]

@dooBdoo....yup, you got the phonys and you got the real deal. You have to have the common sense to know the difference. Some have it, some don't. You, Maggie Mack, Lady Roxanne, Bird Mama, Chickenbutt, please excuse me for not mentioning some others, are the REAL deal. Not phony.

[dooBdoo]

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@shell garden wrote:

MOONCHILDE, that is true about "real" friends on the forums, but I have made true friends here that I do cherish and stay in contact with via email and phone!  However, be that as it may, ...to call out a particular forum here by saying they are not true friends or have their own little club causes hurt feelings, especially if you once posted regularly with a group!  But, some people don't think of others as we all know!

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          @shell garden,  You and I are real friends, and I'm grateful for that.    In this case, I think you might be misinterpreting  the other posts (@catwhisperer and @Hooty).   I don't see anywhere that they said "everyone" or said the entire forum was suspect.    I think, in this case, semantics are getting in the way...  but that's the problem of relying only on the written word.

[dooBdoo]

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Catwhisperer wrote:

@dooBdoo....yup, you got the phonys and you got the real deal. You have to have the common sense to know the difference. Some have it, some don't. You, Maggie Mack, Lady Roxanne, Bird Mama, Chickenbutt, please excuse me for not mentioning some others, are the REAL deal. Not phony.

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          Thanks, so much, @catwhisperer.   I try my best, and I can guarantee "I am who I am" on the forums or elsewhere.   I do consider you a friend, even when we disagree on topics.   Honestly, I think the vast majority of our fellow posters are "good peeps," who do post as "themselves" and who have good intent.    We all have bad days...  bad weeks...  or longer maybe!   (I do!)   But that's the nature of being human.

[MaRina]

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@shell garden wrote:

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@MaRina wrote:

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@shell garden wrote:

MOONCHILDE, that is true about "real" friends on the forums, but I have made true friends here that I do cherish and stay in contact with via email and phone!  However, be that as it may, ...to call out a particular forum here by saying they are not true friends or have their own little club causes hurt feelings, especially if you once posted regularly with a group!  But, some people don't think of others as we all know!

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I couldn't agree more ..... you are my true friend for life. I am hoping one day to give you a big ole real hug  

Awww, shucks MaRina.....you know I lubs ya, lol!

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Even my son you know the one with the deep voice asked

"So when are you two going to meet" 

Lubs ya back 

[catwhisperer]

@dooBdoo...I am far from perfect. I am judgemental and express my opinion, etc. But, I respect you and the other posters I mentioned. You are not phony. You look at the entire picture before forming an opinion and I respect that. 

[alliswell]

@dooBdoo

@catwhisperer is right dooBdoo!  And it is very evident in the thoughtful content contained in all of your posts.  

I remember when I needed help with how to do something, and you, dooBdoo, took the time to explain it, step by step.   

[dooBdoo]

          Thanks, so much, @catwhisperer and @alliswell.   I try to help if and when I can, and I'm grateful for all I've learned from other posters.    We have a great community here.