Experiencing An Online Friendship

The development of new technologies has made it possible to create new ways of communicating and connecting with others. Thanks to this, it is now easier to have an online friendship.

Every day more and more people go online to try and meet people. However, most people would like to continue these friendships in the real world.

However, is it possible to make and keep an online friendship? Well, things aren’t always quite clear. In this article you will learn more about online friendships and how real they can be.

What does “friendship” mean today?

Friendship is a broad concept. Not all friendships are the same, not everyone is looking for the same kind of friendship and does not share the same values ​​as others. There are functional and dysfunctional friendships and friendships that blossom from where they originated. The latter is the case with friendships at work or school.

On the other hand, friendships are for fun. They arise when those involved share feelings of affection, respect and admiration. When this happens, context doesn’t matter, because people decide to be friends based on how they feel, not where they are.

For example, it would not be possible for certain friendships to start online. You can’t hug some online friends or go to the pub with them on the weekend. However, there are other aspects of friendship that can be found in online friendship.

The characteristics of an online friendship

Selfless friendships

Because there is no common ground that forces interaction (such as being family or working together), the relationship is voluntary. Moreover, due to the geographical distance, you cannot meet with them.

Therefore, be sure that the other person is selfless and honest. Your friendship with him or her comes from a real place. It will thrive thanks to shared interests and values. You will both decide to keep your bond because you find it enriching and satisfying.

In-depth knowledge of each other

Online friendships often involve a lot of writing. Writing can do wonders for expressing and opening up to each other. The written word needs more thinking to choose the right words. Even if it is spontaneous, the spoken word is also faster and thus more superficial.

Writing can help you stay in touch with your feelings and express them to a greater extent. Moreover, you can take your time and appreciate what the other person shares with you.

An online friendship can give you a deep knowledge of the other person and yourself, and this creates an important emotional bond.

Loyalty, support and trust in an online friendship

These are the basic characteristics of friendship. Instead of being affected by distance, online friendships grow stronger. Online friendships allow both parties to share their experiences, fears and doubts. Through shared interests and in-depth knowledge, you can both understand each other and give genuine and caring advice.

It feels good to know that someone is willing to invest a little of their time to bond with you. Plus, this gesture means more when both live busy and distant lives and still manage to care about your friendship.

In short, an online friendship will never replace physical contact and shared experiences. Still, you can sometimes meet interesting people online. Being far apart is not a reason to cut them out of your life.

Even though an online friendship can feel limited, that doesn’t mean it can’t be an enriching experience. When there is affection, mutual respect and interest, and when both people appreciate the other for what he is, an online friendship can be a wonderful experience.