Online Surprise!

I’m totally devastated from my break-up of a six year relationship.  Someone invites me to join a social networking site months before so I do – not really understanding how it works.  Being in a fog now after my break-up and not good company I decide to reach out minimally online.  My profile says “single” but it also says that I’m only looking for “friends and networking.” 

Wasn’t sure how it worked.  But right away I had a bunch of folks wanting to be my friend so I said sure and just kept at it.  Right away I met Chris E.  Chris was wonderful.  She was gentle and supportive.  She gave me her phone number right away and it felt safe to call her so I did.  In those days I couldn’t even talk to people without crying.  Didn’t matter who they were I just couldn’t control it.  I’ve never felt that way in my entire life so I suppose it was time.  I remember friends going through it but I really had no idea how devastated I was.  And every time I picked up the phone I thought maybe this time I won’t cry but no.  LOL  It took several months for that to quell.

Anyway, I told Chris E. where I was in life and with the break-up and she was totally there for me, the comforts of a stranger.  She’d just call and check on me every now and again and offer advice to move me along.  And honestly, it wasn’t as if I didn’t have good friends both here and elsewhere but there was some comfort in self disclosure to someone who I would only meet online or on the phone.  It felt safe and I always felt like my friends were getting tired of my sadness even though they never said so.

Months went by before I got to know another online friend Cynthia E.  I found her humor attractive and clever.  So one day she agreed to a phone call and it was wonderful.  Her humor was even better on the phone and she was like a long lost sister.  I eventually visited her and she me. 

If you are going to venture forth online it is really important to spell out in your profile what you are looking for being friends, networking, dating, or a serious relationship.  Some people you never hook up with on the phone.  Instead these folks regale you daily with positive notes and comments of friendship, love, kisses and hugs.  It is pretty non-sexual.  Then there will be those that you click with and get to know better and maybe call on the phone.  If you don’t click on the phone its ok just let that go and keep the online relationship.  If you choose to be flirty or sexually flirty with someone you can do that too.  I wasn’t to sure about this but when approached by a certain someone I threw caution to the wind and ventured forth on one of these flirty relationships and it’s been great!  We both enjoy it and we live far enough away that nothing is going to develop and we both know and agree to that.  I have a special fondness for her and she for me.  Every now and again we share a serious conversation as well.

I love my online friends and they are all over the world and they are not all Gay.