Meeting People

I never understood how people claim to have found their soul mate online. I always wondered how you could think you know someone so well, that you have never met. I mean, do you really get to know the whole person, or just the person they want you to see? I had my doubts about the whole thing. Then I started a blog.

My opinion on online friendships changed immediately. I was not looking to meet anyone at first. I was content just to write my little posts daily so that my friends and family could keep up with me and the kids. At this point I didn't even know what a blog was. My SIL had just started one, so I thought I would give it a go. I was surprised the first time someone left me a comment. Then I did a meme, and my whole online experience changed. People were nice. And supportive. I made friends with people I have never met. I was introduced to instant messaging and chat rooms. I was so computer illiterate before. Now I can keep up with the best of them.

There are so many niches online, and finding the one, or couple, that you fit into isn't hard. There are chat rooms for all walks of life. You can find rooms based on your lifestyle, or rooms based on religion. If you are a Latter Day Saint, you can even find LDS chat rooms. It's amazing when you connect with people who share your interests, and understand the things you are going through.

I have been lucky enough to meet one of my blogging friends in real life, and I now understand how people connect online. I will admit, I was a little nervous the first time we got together. What if they didn't like me? What if it was awkward and we didn't really have anything in common? But, I shouldn't have wasted my energy worrying. From the first hug, it was like we had been friends for years. We have gotten together a few times since, and always end up laughing! They are great people, and I am blessed to have them in my life.

So tell me. Have you met anyone in real life that you first met online?