"so close and yet so far" (relationships)
i am a member of some online social networking or social support groups, some of which also meet offline for real-time events. the groups in which i am most active are those that are centered around my health. i find the groups to be a good way for me to stay informed about issues related to my medical conditions, to make new friends, to get support when i need it and offer support when i can, and to get me out of the house from time to time to participate in activities which i enjoy.
we seem to be much more comfortable these days with intimacy through the wires than i would have ever imagined we would be. However, i think that this intimacy is sometimes a false one, where we let it all hang out--so to speak--due to a certain physical distance and perhaps anonymity but without the emotional risks, rewards and responsibilities that come from looking each other in the eyes, face to face, as we share whatever it is that is on our minds or in our hearts. the internet is no substitute for personal contact, i believe, but more an adjunct, and i would prefer to see people use it that way.
at times i have found myself bumping up against those who use the internet more to sort of keep a certain connection or touch base but also to keep a certain distance and hide out. i mean, have you ever been flamed by someone you don't even know personally, in particular because that individual couldn't be bothered to actually read and digest what you posted since they were so busy being caught up in their own reactions, interpretations or judgements? there have been times where i have felt very unsafe and unwilling to attend real-time activities because of what had occurred online.
here's to clear communication: may it live long and prosper; and may more people be willing to open up their mouths, their ears, their eyes, their minds and their hearts, so that we may all feel more truly connected, both on the wires and on the ground.
