With A Little Help From My Friends

When I started blogging in 2007, it never occurred to me that I would a. keep at it for so long, and b. develop great friendships with people I’ve never met.  My now semi-defunct life blog helped me find a group of friends who have stayed true even when I moved on to the greener pastures of Book, Line, and Sinker.

My post office box has witnessed the generosity of my blogging friends.  Not only do my blog buddies support me with comments and emails, but they also bake, make, and buy things for me.  Just the other day I swung by my post box on a whim, hoping to receive a book I’m dying to review.  I did have a package, but not the one I was anticipating.  Instead, the envelope bore the return label of my dear blogging buddy Dishy.

Dishy read about my recent rediscovery of Sweet Valley High and wanted to help feed my addiction with these two installments and a homemade CD of 80s music to help me relive the glory days of parachute pants.

So, thanks to my blogging friends for the comments, support, goodies, and love!  It’s been an unexpected but welcome treat to see that blogging really does create communities and friendships.

I know that my story isn’t unique.  How has blogging impacted you on a personal level?  Have you been on the receiving (or giving) end of kindness or generosity?  Have you made friends with bloggers–maybe met them for lunch or dinner?  Tell me all about it.

I’ve been reading about the BEA convention all over the blogs, but what interests me most is the blogger-interaction angle–you know, meeting other bloggers IRL (in real life).

I’ve cultivated several online-friendships during the last 18 months of blogging.  I email and comment with my online friends more regularly than I speak to some of my ‘real life’ friends.  And yet, we are only virtual friends.  Or are we?

After sharing and chatting with other bloggers and building friendships and support networks, what is it like to finally have the face-to-face meeting?  Can I possibly be the only person who feels anxious about meeting online friends? 

I worry about so many ABSURD things that are really non-issues (but I worry anyway):

  • Will my blog friends think I’m funnier (uglier, prettier, smarter, more insane) online than in real life?
  • What if we don’t ‘click’?
  • What if the friend is nothing like the image and persona I’ve created in my mind’s eye?
  • What if it’s awkward and we have nothing to talk about?

After reading all the posts about dinners and drinks and meet-ups, I’m kicking myself for not making the short trip into NYC to meet all the great bloggers.  Next year, I’ll be there with bells on.

I’d love to know if you’ve ever met up with any your blogging friends in real life.  If so, how did it go?  If you haven’t done it, what’s holding you back?  

© N.A.M., 2009-2010. Please don't steal. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to me. Thank you.