Don’t Fear Online Friendships

ABOUT 9 YEARS AGO I was in a large Facebook group for women. That group split off to a subgroup of about 500. From there it split to a subgroup of about 75. Close friendships were formed with women all over the US and a few in Canada.

Over the years I’ve been able to meet several of these ladies in person. Two I became particularly close to, and nearly 10 years later I still talk to them often!

My father in law passed last week. I shook hands and hugged sooo many people, so it’s no wonder I got sick right after. I’m having a rough week for sure.

Today I received a UPS delivery, thinking it was a mistake since I hadn’t ordered anything recently. I open my door to find 3 boxes from Honey Baked Ham! A full turkey breast meal with 2 sides, veggies, and a cake! My “internet” friend, who I’ve only met once in person, sent us this meal to help in our time of grief. I cried! Such a huge blessing with how I feel, to know I can feed my family in easy mode for a couple days with this.

I’m writing this to inspire you to not be afraid to connect on a deeper level with women in groups like this. Those close friendships were sparked by opening up and connecting on a very personal level. We shared a situation in common and from there developed a deeper friendship.

One of them is close in age with me and our kids are at similar stages of life. The other is 20 years younger and in a totally different phase of life yet we’re so much alike she feels like my twin!

I can count on either of them if I’m having a bad day or need to vent. They’re also some of the first I want to share good news with. My life is fuller with them in it even though we don’t live close.

Friendships can happen anywhere so be open to it! You just might find your next best friend!

— Pamela Burns