On the kindness of ‘strangers’ on the Internet

{source: Unsplash}

You guys, I know you’re technically the wrong audience, because if you read this, you probably already believe in the power of blogs and the Internet, but to all the people out there who “don’t get” blogging and think that you can’t make deep, lasting connections with people you haven’t met in person, I tell you: you’re so wrong.

First of all, for the record, I already believed in the power of communication through the written word way back when I was a teenager and had pen friends all around the world. Some of these friendships still exist to this day. One of my closest and oldest friends lives in Australia and we’ve been friends for 23 years. There, beat that!

And then, since I moved to the US almost 14 years ago (gasp!), I’ve made most of my friendships on the Internet because making new friends in a new place is hard and especially so if you’re an introvert (and we all know the Internet is full of introverts!). I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of my online friends in person by now, but there are still many I have yet to meet. But regardless, knowing them only through the Internet doesn’t make them any less real for me.

How I know that they’re real?

Because there are some lovely people(not all linked here for various reasons) that have over time reached out to me in the most random ways and have shown kindness that I would have never expected. This speaks volumes to me about the kind of persons that they are. We might not know each other on the most personal levels, we might not communicate on a daily basis, but I feel a connection and that’s good enough for me.

There are friendships that run on much less than this and the great thing about the Internet is that, as it happens, people often know and interact with the same people and there is some sort of network and community feeling going on.

I might still struggle with building a local community, but I always know there are people out there that I can turn to and from whom I can get a “heck yes!” or “me, too!”, and the kindness of these ‘strangers’ on the Internet never really ceases to amaze me.

This is to say: thank you.

Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
September 14, 2015 at 3:12 pm

Aw, I love posts like this! I am so thankful for the friendships I have made through the blogging community. I would actually say that, for the most part, I’m closer to people I’ve met through blogging than I am to friends I’ve made in other stages of life. I love that blogging has allowed me to connect with people with similar interest, values, and priorities regardless of their geographical location – and that includes you! :)
1. san
  September 20, 2015 at 7:05 pm
  
  I am so very happy that we found each other on the Internet (and already met IRL!), too, Lisa!
Heather
September 14, 2015 at 6:50 pm

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 I am so touched! I remember the first time I reached out. It was February 2014, I was in Hawaii, and gathered my gusto to leave you a comment to which you replied! I remember that it felt like I was talking to a celebrity!!! Since then, you have proven to be one of the sweetest, kind hearted, and most genuine person. I am so blessed to know you. (Even if I DO owe you an email reply!!!) Hugs and love my friend! Thank you for being who you are and for being so awesome!!
1. san
  September 20, 2015 at 7:06 pm
  
  A celebrity…. HAHAHA!…. that’s sweet ;) but honestly, I am so very glad you reached out to me, Heather!! So happy to know you!
Marie
September 15, 2015 at 4:57 am

The internet is a pretty awesome place! (Except for the jerks out there, they are far from awesome.) I met one of my closest friends here in VA through blogging. I just wish I could meet others, but the US is so big and travel is ridiculously expensive. Who knows though, one day maybe right?
1. san
  September 20, 2015 at 7:06 pm
  
  One day, Marie!!!
Kristen
September 15, 2015 at 5:44 am

So so true! I’ve found some of my most valued friendships on the interwebs and am so thankful to have found people in this ‘community’ who add great things to my life, so I thank you in return for being a lovely person in my life!
1. san
  September 20, 2015 at 7:07 pm
  
  Thanks Kristen! I still regret not having met you back in 2012. It’s on the list!! :)
Silke
September 15, 2015 at 11:05 am

Word! ❤️
1. san
  September 20, 2015 at 7:07 pm
  
  <3 so schön, dass wir uns kennengelernt haben!!
Stevie
September 15, 2015 at 8:15 pm

Right back atcha! I love all the connections I’ve made via the internet and there are a few (including YOU) who I consider great friends! <3
1. san
  September 20, 2015 at 7:07 pm
  
  You’re the sweetest, Stevie! Looking forward to meeting up again sometime!!

Comments are closed.

On the kindness of ‘strangers’ on the Internet

You May Also Like