I have heard stories of how people met their husband, wife, best friends, and even jobs online. The internet has become a meeting place for people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. I know that many people believe that real friendship must happen face-to-face, but I beg to differ because there is this saying that love can find you anywhere in church, at the market, and online equally. While some believe that online friendship is fake, I think physical friendship is even more fake these days than online. Although none is better than the other.
Most online friendships often begin with a simple greeting, sharing of interests, or even a comment session over a small argument. Sometimes in that little argument you can meet someone who loves the same music as you, the same books, or even the same experiences. Before you know it, both of you are sharing deep thoughts or personal stuff. Occasionally there is a special kind of honesty that comes with chatting with someone you have become acquainted with online. Most people open up more to their online friends than their physical friends because they are not judged by how they look, dress, or act. You connect through words, emotions, and understanding. That raw openness can make the bond feel even stronger than with people you see every day.
For many, online friends have become their biggest source of comfort. Most of them listen without interruptions, they often offer good advice and support during tough times, and they are always just a message away. Even though they live far from us or in the same state but a few kilometers away. Their connection feels really close most times. Occasionally it is easier to confide in an online friend than a physical friend, maybe because you feel they already know too much about you. They don’t carry your daily history or expectations; they simply see you for who you are at that moment.
Although some people might have found love and lifelong friendship online, it doesn't mean that all the stories do end beautifully; some have actually faced heartbreak, scams, or deceit. This same internet that connects hearts also has hidden faces and evil intentions. Some people are very pretentious, acting like they are something they are not just to take advantage of the trust people have in them. That's why one should be cautious, because we have snakes in green grass everywhere, both online and physical.
It doesn't mean that online friendships are less real or valuable. It has actually helped countless people find belonging and joy, especially for those who struggle with anxiety and loneliness . One good thing about physical friendships is that they give you hugs, laughter, and shared experiences, but you know online gives us empathy, understanding, and emotional freedom.
Each fills a different need, and neither can completely replace the other. Online friendships cannot completely replace face-to-face ones, but they don't need to; each of them can complement the other. Each one fills a unique space in our emotional lives. What matters most isn't where or how we met, but how genuine the bond feels.
Image is mine.
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