I started thinking about friendship the other day. People often tease me about my “internet” friends or “digital” friends.
Are they less than?
To explore this topic, let’s go to the beginning.
Childhood Friendships
In early childhood, you may have friends because your moms hang out. You may be in the same class. You may live on the same street.
Proximity and convenience are the the kick starters to most, if not all, childhood friendships. Whether or not they continue throughout life has more to do with how each person values themselves, their time invested in the friendship, and the time it would take to continue. We grow up, move away, and move on.
Fortunately, Facebook has allowed many of these childhood friendships to reignite or die of malnutrition.
Digital Age
Let’s come back.
Early Adult Friendships
Early adult friendships begin because you’re college roommates, co-workers, or you know a friend-of-a-friend. Maybe a group all went to a music festival, camping trip, or toured Europe together. Those friendships usually continue until some or all get married. (more…)