I could sense the urgency in her message—was that a thing? This was serious; something was terribly wrong. “Can I call?” she sent. “Absolutely,” I replied. When she called, her usually bright and cheerful voice quickly faded into sorrowful sobs. My heart felt like it was being torn apart.
Once you become a mother, making genuine connections can become increasingly challenging, doesn’t it? Sure, you make acquaintances with other moms—the parents of your kids’ friends and classmates—and you hope to endure their company at school events and birthday celebrations. These mom-friends often resemble what I used to label as “work friends.” They may not be the friends you selected, but they are the ones you have. You learn to appreciate the company you keep.
But what about true friendships? Playdates can feel like awkward first dates. Attending soccer games may resemble a speed-dating event, and when you meet someone you really connect with, it feels imperative to invite them over for dinner right away, lest you lose a potential buddy for mani/pedis.
Nowadays, you can explore the virtual “bar scene” for making mom friends—thanks to the internet. Online friendships through Facebook groups and other platforms can feel just as real, connected, and even closer than some of your in-person friendships.
But are these digital connections “genuine”? I always thought they were somewhat…inferior to my real-life friendships, or at the very least, “different.” I’ve navigated the mom-friend landscape since the days of AOL Messenger—who remembers the joys of dial-up and being frequently disconnected?
One online friend, whom I’ve had the fortune of meeting in person, stands out. She’s one of those extraordinary individuals—more generous than most people you encounter in everyday life. Her kindness and positivity shine brightly. Her laughter is infectious, and people are drawn to her. Despite facing her own challenges, she harnesses them to uplift others. I consider myself fortunate to call her my friend.
However, because most of our interactions occurred online, I hadn’t fully grasped the depth of our friendship until she reached out, distressed, needing someone to talk to. If we continue with the dating metaphor, this was the moment we decided not to see anyone else. (Okay, the metaphor is getting a bit stretched here… my apologies.)
When her tearful voice came through the phone, I was taken aback. This wasn’t the version of her I was accustomed to. I’ve seen her frustrated, perplexed, even baffled—but this was different. I’m the type who likes to fix things—I’m essentially the Olivia Pope of friendships. I enjoy offering solutions to problems that need mending.
But this time, I was helpless. I wasn’t physically present with her. I didn’t know the players in this chapter of her life’s story. I felt a wave of helplessness. I initially thought, “She needs more than a digital friend.” Yet, I quickly realized she considered me more than just an online connection if she was willing to call.
So, I did what I could: I listened. She needed to express her feelings and be acknowledged. I hoped that I could provide some support, even if only momentarily. True to her nature, she handled the situation with remarkable grace and dignity, balancing her own needs with those of others, reminding me again why I admire her so much.
Somehow, this experience validated our online friendship; we’ve reached a new milestone together. I apologize for the strained dating metaphor, but it feels like we’ve upgraded our connection to a new level; we are friends who are likely to remain close for a long time.
Thus, the lesson is clear: Never underestimate the authenticity of friendships formed online. Whether you eventually meet in person or not doesn’t diminish the reality of the bond. I’m grateful my friend reached out and challenged me in that moment. I’m thankful I could be there for her—even if it was from a distance.
For more insights on family and motherhood, check out our other blog posts, including this one about the at-home insemination kit, which can be a helpful resource for those exploring their fertility journeys. You can also find valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination here.
In summary, friendships forged in the virtual world can be just as real and meaningful as those developed face-to-face. The connections we build online can provide support and understanding that transcend physical distance. So, embrace your digital friendships, for they can enrich your life in ways you never expected.
Keyphrase: Online Friendship Authenticity
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