Will B. Having Online Friends
This may sound a bit callous, but sometimes I enjoy online friends more than the friends I see in person. I know it makes me seem like a hermit, but let me explain.
I have always had trouble holding on to friends because I am overly demanding of people that I call friends and I don’t get close to people easily. I expect total loyalty, a mutual respect, honesty and believe friendship should always be a 2-way street. By the last item I mean I don’t want to be the one always doing the inviting or calling to chat etc.…, If I invite you to dinner, I would hope to get a return invite at some point. I think you get the point about friendship being a 2-way street.
I have never really been particularly close to family either. We just were never one of those family’s that were close. I have been self-sufficient since I was 15 and never really needed or counted on anyone to be there for me, either emotionally, physically or financially. I do admit my older brother has come to my aid on a couple of occasions, and we were very close at one point, but we have since grown apart. My wife of 21 years has been my best friend, and someone I have put all my faith in to count on no matter the situation.
Back to the point at hand; online friends. I have always enjoyed online gaming and have met some friends who I have been closer to then anyone I have befriended in real person. Now the callous part I was referring to at the start. Online friends can be turned on and off like a light switch. When I am not feeling social, I can simply not turn on the computer. When I need someone to chat with, I simply turn on the computer. Is it a lazy mans friendship? Perhaps it is. But who made the rules on how we are supposed to have friendships? Why is one better than the other? Both have their advantages. A real-life friend can give you a hug, help you move and share a beer at the lake while fishing (just to name a few). An online friend can be accessed at almost any time of the day or night - if your online friend list is big enough. They are there to share news and have an abundance of fun with while gaming. They are there to give and get advice or just to chat with. I suppose both have their advantages in the end. This is Will B. saying “see ya online for a quick game or at the lake for a beer and fishing.”