I could sense the urgency in her message—something was genuinely wrong. “Can I call?” she asked. “Sure,” I replied. When she called, I recognized her usually cheerful voice, but it quickly broke into sobs. My heart dropped.
As a mother, forming new friendships becomes a challenge. Sure, you meet other moms—parents of your child’s friends—hoping to survive school events and birthday parties together. These connections often feel like “work friends”—not the ones you choose but the ones you have to navigate through. You appreciate the company, but it’s not quite the same as true friendship.
Playdates resemble awkward first dates, while soccer games feel like speed dating sessions. Finding someone you click with leads to an overwhelming urge to invite them over for dinner before the opportunity slips away.
In today’s digital age, many moms turn to online platforms to connect. Virtual friends in Facebook groups or other online spaces often feel just as real and meaningful—sometimes even more so than those in our physical lives. But are these digital connections truly “real”? I used to think they were somewhat lesser or different compared to in-person friendships. My journey began with AOL Messenger, back in the days of dial-up internet.
One virtual friend, who I was fortunate enough to meet once, is someone I truly treasure. She embodies kindness and generosity, radiating positivity. Her laughter is infectious, and she has a unique ability to uplift those around her. Despite her challenges, she uses them to inspire both herself and others. I feel privileged to call her a friend.
However, our relationship was mostly online, and I often underestimated its depth. That changed when she reached out, upset and needing support. If we were to continue with the dating metaphor, this would be the moment we committed to each other.
Hearing her distressed voice threw me off balance—I had never encountered this side of her before. I’m typically the problem-solver, the one who offers advice and solutions. But this time, I was at a loss. I couldn’t offer a hug or physically be there for her. Her struggles were raw and very real. Initially, I thought she needed something more than a “virtual friend,” but then it struck me—she had already regarded me as more than that, or she wouldn’t have reached out.
I listened as she expressed her feelings. It was clear she just needed someone to hear her. I hoped my presence, even from a distance, provided some comfort. Once again, she navigated her challenges with grace, reminding me of why I admire her so much.
This experience validated our online friendship; we had crossed a significant milestone together. I realized that the friendships forged online are indeed real. Meeting in person can enhance the bond, but the essence of the connection remains unchanged. I’m grateful she reached out, even if I wasn’t physically there for her.
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Summary
In the digital age, friendships formed online can be as significant and meaningful as those created in person. The emotional connections we build through virtual platforms are real and can provide support in difficult times. Whether meeting in person or not, these friendships can deeply impact our lives.