True Friends

[CanDB]

I once mentioned in a speech that having a really good friend is like winning the lottery. I stand by that.

In my very last career position, I was not excited about the job - though compensated very fairly (and treated very well). But it did one thing I will never forget. You see, at the last stage of my long career, I met someone who has become a permanent buddy. If not for that job change, I would not have made the connection. He's part of one of my breakfast "groups", who I look forward to seeing in a couple of days.

Life's interesting that way. That was a lottery win.

[BroncosDivision]

A lot of great posts in this thread :thumb:

[CanDB]

I will say that I enjoy online friends as much and maybe more so than those who I know on a physical or everyday basis. Number 1 - I'm kinda quite - and I hate talking on the phone. It seems those I who grow close to like co-workers or neighbors always want to talk face to face or on the phone. For me, I kinda prefer having the option not to talk online instead. To me there are some who I've developed friendships with over the years on line, who I feel close to and consider good friends from what we share.

Before I found this site, there were other sites that I spent a lot of time on. I was sad I lost touch with folks who I talked to everyday on some of those sites. Sad to see the Daily Show forums disappear when they did, as I am that Jon Stewart is saying goodbye to the Show now. Anyhow, I was glad to be able to add some of those folks on Facebook, because I considered them friends and I like putting a face with who I was talking to everyday online as well.

Even if I don't talk to folks from this site elsewhere, and even if I just know them by a user name they are people who I consider a friend who like connecting with or talking to. A lot of folks who I consider friends are not the same people who I would expect to be present if I was in a bad situation, but they're more the people who like corresponding with the most on a regular basis.

It's all in the eyes of the beholder.

I am not as comfortable online as many others, but that's partly because I am from a different generation, or so I believe. I am cautious about relations. BUT, I have changed some of my stance regarding online connections. And if I was a younger person, I am sure that I would be much more at ease with who I get close with. I also understand that people are making lifelong decisions, based on meeting people in this way. Like anything else, there's usually a good side and another to be careful about.

As I've stated, I have enjoyed this place. Without actually meeting these folks, I have a pretty good idea of who they are and what they are like. Of course I would like to have a little more background, even just watching their reactions and seeing how they behave, face to face. Often what's missing here is the fact that we have to go a little further to package our comments, in terms of our feelings. The smilies help a lot. But gestures and all the body language does play an important part in the communication process. Sometimes I miss the opportunity to take someone aside, and have a really good interaction. It helps minimize miscommunication, and at times, I feel that happens.

So, yes I am blessed to have a group of face to face friends. I've had many decades to build that network I guess. I made them over the course of my life, so one never knows where that next really good friend will come. I say to all, keep yourself open for it. Don't push it, it will happen.

And for the record, you seem like a very nice person.:thumb:

[CanDB]

A lot of great posts in this thread :thumb:

Donuts with some, danish with another.

[EddieMac]

You and Rem and me, at a mini doughnut joint in downtown Winnipeg! (I would prefer the big doughnuts myself, but Rem seems to have a thing for them!!)

That would be interesting.... funny enough I am not a doughnut guy....but I can make do :thumb:

[CanDB]

That would be interesting.... funny enough I am not a doughnut guy....but I can make do :thumb:

If not, I know I'll catch up with you at a Broncos game someday!

:thumb:

[EddieMac]

If not, I know I'll catch with you at a Broncos game someday!

:thumb:

Hot dogs and beer!!!

[CanDB]

Hot dogs and beer!!!

Yes:thumb:.....but nothing else with guacamole in it. My wife gave me a bite of her sandwich at The Broncos game, and the guacamole stained my jersey. Mind you, it looked like I had some grass stain on it, making me look more authentic. Yah right!

Someday my friend.....someday!

[Sophia23]

I've bolded our similarities. The other mods would probably not agree, but I am a quiet person.

I was on a racing MB that died when the driver "retired". On that site, we collected money twice for members. Once when fires almost took this guy's ranch (CA) and when a lady's husband unexpectedly died. We've cried, laughed and shared our lives with each other. I've met 3 of them in person, one we meet up every year in Dover for the races (NASCAR). I don't do Facebook, but we stay in touch through emails and Christmas cards.

We see a lot the same from what you bolded. Yeah, people can develop some good friendships on line. I think part of it is just being on the boards that we have the most interest in, there's always common interest with others on the board.