Sep 03, 2006 01:49 AM
3651 Views
(Updated Sep 03, 2006 02:27 PM)
Finally I am back to what I always do...write about my life, my people and my opinions...and this time around, I decided to do something else as well...this time around, I thought of helping he uninitiated to join the world of internet friendships!
Caution:* Internet friendships are for those who spent a considerable time on the virtual world...If you already hide behind files pretending to be overburdened with work, are not willing to open your true self/ or virtual self to the world...and hate the concept of 24/7 friendships...kindly avoid!
So how do you begin...just like how you would begin a normal friendship...*get on a site which has people interface...blogging sites, community sites and friendship sites are a good option. *Most of these sites have free logins and need a profile to start with...that is where you need to sit back and think on.... "Are you willing to tell the world, how you are or do you want to hide the basics?". No one on the virtual world expects you to be King Harishchandra but then you don't have to be a un-real goody person who is just out of this world! So think and word your profile...always
Next on line is what happens when you start the initial interaction...it is normal for a newcomer to have teething problems...Remember: Internet is a free world without any restrictions...you would meet the good, the bad and the ugly...So when you start chatting, take it with a pinch of salt...like in real life, everyone you meet doesnt end up being your friend...same with the internet!
Ok...so you think that this casual communication is getting interesting...you are exchanging regular emails and you chat for hours...that my friend is NOT friendship yet ;-) you are just one step close but not really there...think of these interactions as the building up to the real relationship...friends need to communicate and if is happening, you are going in the right direction!
Finally it has happened! You are still talking to the person, you feel bad if he/she does'nt turn on chats and you feel related to that person even offline...and this time around, your "friend" does'nt call you by your login ID but your name...he knows you like you want him/her to know you and you care for him like you do for people in your "real" life...congratulations! you have found your friend...
It is not uncommon for these friendships to behave like the normal "real life" friendships...you would gradually get down to phoning your dost, meeting up and may end up marrying each other as well...now that is taking it to the next level... of internet love and that should ideally by a next review..so keep it till meeting for now!
I have been lucky enough to chat and meet with some people who have become friends for life...it really doesnt matter that I have not seen them in person...they are my friends and would remain that...always! I have even attended marriage of a close internet friend and I do not find it strange...afterall, anything for good food and time!
Pointers: A point that you need to keep in mind is your friend is just not your friend...he/she is a person who may act in a stark contrast to what your perception says of him/her...If your friendship isstrong, it would not be a issue...but it may crop up for some! Just read today- Internet friendships turn out stronger/weaker after the first meeting...
Another pointer: There is some strange misconception that married me/women ( the clan of Adi, Shyam, Abha, Mags etc)become friends with the younger lot( that's me!) for reasons which are dubious...I have known married men and women on the internet for some time now and their intentions are pretty honorable....till now :)as for reasons on why they are online....you really need a reason to be active...online?
Conclusion!
->Internet friendships work for most of us. For some, it gives us a medium to be someone else...find like minded people and enjoy a different world...for some like me, it gives me a medium...to find people who may or may not be think the way I do but are willing to accept me as I am...not to forget, willling courageously to take chances with me!
Internet friendships are for people who are willing to take a risk..it is not for the weak hearted or for people who do not want to be friends...remember the old saying: u can find a friend by being one!" that says it all :)
*So what are you waiting for...there is a whole world waiting for you...find your way and get befriended!
* Another review has come to an end...it's kind of strange when I think of how Internet has changed lives...it has given relationships a new meaning and it is giving life a new direction too....I am sure for all of us, Internet and friendships compliment each other now...Would surely like your take on it :)
Comments are welcome!*
Looks like my ideas are not mine anymore...today Hindustan Times and Times of India, both have articles talking about net friendships...and in detail :) go ahead if you want to read more about it!
