What Has The Internet Taught You About People?

am so glad you met the friend that tells you to write as you do good here. I have met some on pogo too. Forgot the one that came from Calif just to see me! now I have to call her on phone for she no longer has the net .

your welcome and you know how I enjoy your walking stories!. So that should give you and idea how good you are at writting. Really where she lived at that time was only a 4 hour drive. But now she has moved up by her sister and she dont drive that far anymore. Which I think adds amnother 4 hours on to the drive. BUt I do call her and when I call we talk for hours and hours!

Awwww, that's a really sweet thing to say, my friend. Thank you. I think that's really special that you keep in touch with your friend by phone. What a wonderful place the Internet is.

That's ok, my friend. I've not been back for long, as I've been very busy offline, and I know we all have to down tools every so often to catch up with life. Welcome back! Yes, I feel online friendships are similar to offline, but I think sometimes, you get to know the person better because you can't see them. You tend to find the need to be more explicit about your inner self in writing, which means you get to know a person for what they really are, and not what they look like. I think this is an important part of getting to know somebody well, and of forming a friendship, or bond with that person. I've had to be very sure that the friends I've gone to meet are genuine people, and so far at least, I've been right. I haven't had problems with third parties either, but rather, tend to get on with friends and families of those friends I meet... even spouses and partners. All in all, I've found some lovely friends online whom otherwise, I might never have met, or got to know, and I treasure them all. Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution. You've put some thought into that and I appreciate your time. Thank you.

Yes, that's very true. I've found all the ones I've met very welcoming, caring people, and I shall treasure them for life. Have a good day!

Thanks again for understanding. Friendship like the one you described will certainly withstand any form of challenges in life. No wonder there are people that can be best of friends 20 over years and beyond. Brightest blessings to you too, my friend.

Thank you Dear Friend, I don't think I give much though I am just me and I just try to be there for People no matter what You just remember that you are very special to me and you are one of the closest and dearest to me Thank you for being my friend and I know we always will be Friends no matter what Big Hugs and Gissi sends his hugs to Auntie Darkwing to xxxxxx

You're welcome to the truth, Gabs. I know you don't think you give out much... you don't even know you're doing it but take it from me, as somebody on the outside of you, I can see you giving almost constantly. You have great compassion for other people and it results in your giving your all for anybody that's in need. That IS you! The Gabs we all know and love. You just said you just try to be there for people, no matter what.... well, you don't "just try", you succeed, always. The only time you can't manage it is perhaps when you're ill, but you still try! Thank you Sweetheart... I WILL remember those special words, and I'm sure you're right when you say we'll always be friends, no matter what. Hugggggs. xx

I know what important pillars of strength D and your kids are in your life, Gabs. They're not online friends as such but they will always pick you up when you fall and afford you the strength to carry on. Not only those three, but Gissi too, my friend. He needs you and relies on you, for you have given him new life. Thus, before you even start to venture on to Internet friends, you have four very good reasons not to give up the fight. Yes, your lifestyle has changed, but with those people around you, caring for you and offering you their unconditional love, as do I, I think your life is happier now than it's ever been, despite the obstacles you're frequently encountering. You'll get past them, merely because you have four very good reasons to do so. As you say, they've given you the strength you needed to cope. That having been said, I also know what tremendous love and energy you put out to others... your online friends and your physical friends, as well as those basic four. Even when you're poorly yourself, you find time to support your friends and family, and that in itself shows your strength and determination, and is precisely why you get so much support back. You do it effortlessly, probably without even realising you're doing so much for others, because that's your way. What you give out is what you get back, special lady, so understand that's why everybody cares so much about you and why you got so much support last June when you needed your op. I know for a fact, you'd give a person the shirt off your back if they needed it. Furthermore, you've come to accept what's been thrown in your path, and have learned how to pass the obstacles. You got that support of a visiting friend because that friend appreciates you for the person you are, and holds you in very high esteem, and if the situation presented itself again, I know she'd move heaven and earth to be there for you, without a second thought. Hence... I know you'll make it through the darkest part of your path, on the arms of your friends, and emerge with the sun in your hair and a sparkle in your eye. That's my special friend Gabs! I think the Internet was where you needed to be those seven years ago. You've learned a lot about how that special link between so many friends, both distant and closer, can help you through life, and despite your reservations, you've been lucky enough, like me, to befriend some very special people. Michael did well to introduce you to the Internet world. Mylot especially, I feel, is a very special place to make friends. They somehow found a way to place everybody together, and to open up to others, making some really true and loyal friends along the way. I'm so glad I found this site... and you, my dearest friend. Brightest Blessings, love and hugs. Thank you for your touching contribution and a big hugggggg back to Gissi. xxx

I think perhaps that you build up more trust online because you see those friends almost daily, and share so much more of your daily lives together. We don't seem to have as many inhibitions with online friends and therefore get to know what they're like on the inside, thus building more trust. Thank you for your contribution, my friend, and Brightest Blessings.

That is true..I know that some of my closes friends on the internet know more about me then the ones I have close at home..Hugs

Awwww... thank you both. I'll deal with Beauty's response first if you're happy with that, Purple, then I'll come to you. I find it doesn't matter how many "local" friends you have. I have a fair few, but it costs me money to go out every single night to meet up with them, coupled with the fact that I don't feel like going out every single night. There are times when I just like to close my door on the world, and to chill out. That's when I enjoy my time on the Internet with the friends I can't just pop out and "see". I feel you get to know people on the inside when you can't meet them physically. That way, you come to know better their character, and you come to trust them and make real, true friends. It doesn't matter what they look like, the way they dress, or anything else for that matter, when you can read deep into their soul. That's the most important part of a friendship... knowing a person inside out. I feel we have that facility here, especially in Mylot, and that's why a lot of great friendships have arisen out of it. Brightest Blessings my friend, and thank you for your contribution.

Now, Purple... thank you, my dear friend... the feeling is mutual as I'm sure you well know by now. There's this eerie draw don't you think, to come on Mylot and find your friends. Sometimes, it's quiet and quite disheartening, but you know if you go off somewhere else for a half hour and return, they will have arrived in Mylot and have found your discussions. Thus, you're happy again! As I said to Beauty, I feel that because there's the absence of sight, touch and expression on the Internet, you get to know what a person is really like on the inside. You get to know their hopes, their fears, what makes them happy and what brings a tear... it's a more intimate relationship in that respect, because knowing the person on the inside, is more important to my way of thinking, than what they look like and how they move. I think trust develops from that, and we begin to be less inhibited with each other, as we grow closer. Internet friendships are just as special as physical ones, in my book. As I said before, I really treasure the friendship I've found here, especially in Mylot, and you are one of those unique treasures, my dear friend. Only three days to go!!! Stay well and happy! Brightest Blessings to you and yours. xx

I agree it is a sweet sentiment, Darkwing is such a sweetie and I love her to pieces! I think online friends have enriched everyone's life, even the people with so many friends off line then they'd ever know what to do with!

Awww... thank you. I'm glad I could be of help to you. I gather you're studying English... am I right? Well, if so, good luck to you. It's not the easiest language in the world to learn, or indeed to write in, my friend. If you ever feel you could do with some help, please don't hesitate to PM me. I will be glad to help you. I feel Mylot has changed me a lot too. My Internet experience is a much happier one since I joined the site, and I have found a lot of lovely friends; some more special than others, but all treasures in their own way. They've helped me learn, helped me understand and most of all, been there for me through good times and bad. That's why I like Mylot so much and why I spend so much time interacting with others. Well, after only a month, your writing skills are not at all bad, and I feel you'll progress as time goes on, probably ending up speaking and writing English better than me... a U.K. citizen. lol. Brightest Blessings my friend, and thank you for your contribution. I'm so glad you enjoyed my discussion.

I agree... you can't get much better than that, my friend! I feel that sometimes, online friends become closer to you than your offline friends. It depends on how much time you spend here, I guess, but I definitely seem to see more of my online friends. It's so expensive to go out often, and we end up just passing the time of day with most of our offline friends. Therefore, I think we have the opportunity to form a stronger bond online. Brighest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.

Awwww... thank you, my friend. You probably do know the two women, as they're both on your friends list, I believe. There are others too, who are pretty strong characters but who haven't had to face the same traumas. Nevertheless, they're good people and work hard to succeed in life. They give, regardless of what they can afford, or need themselves, and they care about their friends. Some are not so strong, but never worry about asking for help, as they feel they can confide their troubles in you, which is a great feeling, because it pleases me to be trusted and to be able to help. We all have different ranges of knowledge and wisdom and sharing is a big part of forming a friendship with trust and loyalty. I've now met eight of my online friends in person, and each of them have their own character, but when it comes down to friendship, they've all been most receptive and welcoming, and I love them all, just the same as those I haven't met. They know they can always contact me by phone, and if there's a problem, I'll make my best attempt to be there offering a hand. That's what it's all about, huh? The other benefit of Mylot as you say, is that we can get a wider perspective of life from others, from the discussions. I feel that from that, we learn to grow in spirit and realise the value of life and wisdom. Brightest Blessings, my friend, and thank you for your contribution. x

Yes, I think most of us are drawn to Mylot because the majority of people in here are very interesting, caring and each has their own "specialist" subject, about which they can advise others. Of course, there are the not so friendly members, but there's a sense of unity amongst friends here that overcomes all that, and we just seem to carry on in the same old way. I love the site. Your cat ones sound interesting too. Places to meet people of like mind who have experience with cats and can share their knowledge on all aspects of cat ownership. There are a lot of pet owners here too, who would probably value those sites. Brightest Blessings my friend, and thank you for your contribution.

Here you are again, sweet lady! lol. I use Yahoo more than MSN, although I'm on MSN and AIM too. For some reason, MSN doesn't like my computer too much and messes with it, but the glory now, is that you can keep up with your MSN friends through Yahoo, because they've linked up! Isn't that great? There again, as you know, I have the Den, but sometimes, that's a bit "hit and miss" and there's no "live" contact. Mylot is different somehow. They've found a way to keep us communicating, and I think friendship grows out of that. We learn a lot about our friends from discussions because they speak openly about their fears, joys, successes and difficulties in life, and we're always here to lend a hand to our friends, and newbies alike. I love the site. Yes, like you, I trust them to give me their honest opinion, and those who like to disrupt discussions, are swiftly dealt with by me. I'm not rude, but I let them know that their input has no relevance, despite my thanking them for it! lol. I believe in that openness and honesty because it creates the trust that you so need to make a friendship work and grow. Thank you so much for your comments, my dear friend, and Brightest Blessings. xx

You sound like Meatloaf... you got me singing now! lol. I know that on Yahoo, I can have a friend on my list who, when they log on to MSN, I can see they're online and converse with them across the two messengers. It has to be set up though, by migrating your MSN friends in. I don't know whether they do the same from MSN's end mind. The little mite (or big mite) had better not play shy on us! lol. I can't wait! I think I'm almost as excited as you! Roll on Friday!

You took the words right out of my mouth! I couldn't have said it better myself! I love thius site and love all of the friends I have made here . I didn't know that Yahoo and Msn had teamed up!?! Hope you have an excellent week, and I will be sure to have a discussion for you on Friday when I get back from the ultrasound . That is IF they can tell me what I'm having and baby isn't playing shy.

Thank you... I truly believe that the Internet can not only teach us academic things but it teaches us about life, people, cultures and beliefs. Mylot is a great place to learn all of these things. Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.

You didn't misspell my name. I write it like that sometimes because some sites require a first and last name. lol. Yes, sometimes, there's a lot of travelling involved to meet online friends. I did go to the States to meet one... my first ever long-haul flight, which was a bit daunting. I stayed in Oregon for four weeks and was shown some beautiful places. All the friends I've met personally from the internet, have been wonderful people, very warm and welcoming characters, for which I'm very grateful. They not only welcome me into their lives but involve me in their family lives as well, which is a really good feeling of trust. I've had some great times with meeting my internet friends and I get to travel too! What could be better? I doubt I'll be going as far as Australia though! I hope you continue to enjoy your time spent with internet friends! Brightest Blessings and thank you for your contribution.

Yes, I've met some very special people too, and on the whole, they're in the majority. That may be because I'm a little selective as to whom I befriend, but just the same, I turned out to be correct, as I've met up with a handful of them, and each has become a close friend. As you say, there are those who pretend they're something they're not, just in a vain attempt to make friends online which they can't find off it... I wonder why? lol. There are those who lie their way through life and purport to be somebody they're not. There are some pretty dodgy people around, but on the whole, I've been pretty lucky, and Mylot has been one of the best places to make friends. Lol... I don't think you broke a rule, as you didn't post a link. I often mention other sites by their name, but you're not spamming for referrals so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Anyway, my take is that online or offline, the ratios of "good" and "bad" are pretty balanced and similar. Thank you for your contribution my friend, and Brightest Blessings.

Thank you very much for everything my dear friend.

That's right, my friend. In make-up, both inside and outside, we are all the same. The colour of our skin is due to the amount of sun we have in our country, and our skin pigment. It doesn't make us any different at all. Fat, slim, tall, short, dark, light, whatever, our souls... our emotions and sensitivity, are all the same. What makes us different is our cultures and our beliefs. However, none of these can be wrong because they are merely beliefs... how we perceive the creation of the Universe, Earth, animal and human life. None of our evidence is concrete... it's just beliefs passed down, through the religious books and organisations. So, how can any of us be wrong? What's all the fighting about? Isn't it far better to understand that we all have the right to choose our beliefs and follow our country's culture, and to love one another for what we are inside, rather than what we believe? Mylot has overcome a lot of the inhibitions you speak of, for us. They seem to have created a reasonably amicable, peaceful place, where we can all meet and make friends, and where several of those friendships thrive and grow. If there are any infiltrating trouble causers, the friends unite and stand together. Problem solved. If anybody is going through a bad patch in life, the others rally round in support and if anybody is on a high because they've achieved something, others rally round, celebrate and dance with them. That's what friendship is all about, and that's what I love about the Mylot site and the friends I've made here. I shall treasure them all till the end of my computer days. You, dear Bala, are one of those friends, and I thank you dearly for trusting me, and indeed for your contribution to my discussion. Brightest Blessings, my friend.

You're more than welcome, and thank you too, Bala.

Yes, I find that a very interesting aspect of internet contact with people from different countries. I love to learn about the cultures and beliefs around the world. It's surprising when you do, how similar our basic beliefs are whichever path we follow. Brightest Blessings my friend and thank you for your contribution.

Hey Winterrose I hope things are going well for you!

I think that although there are the "nasties" around, there are a lot of special people to be found on the Internet. It's just a matter of working out which are the better ones to befriend. It's like in all communities, there are special people, nice people, and then those who are not so nice. We learn to differentiate between them, thus "choosing" our friends, and leaving behind us those to whom we can't relate. You attract nice people, my friend, and I'm happy to hear that you've been supported to success with your e-zine. Brightest Blessings, and thank you for your contribution.

Hi Ellie, and thank you. Yes, you're right... people are no different really but it's easier to take on a false character when you have no physical contact. The upturn here is that you get to know first, what a person is like on the inside. This, I feel, is more important than looks, at least. Touch, I feel is important but then maybe you'll come across somebody you don't want to touch! lol. What I'm trying to say is that if you're astute enough, you'll be able to differentiate between the person who purports to be something their not, those who tell lies, and the genuine people. The former always come a cropper sooner or later, because they forget what the truth is, and they get sussed! The latter, the genuine friends, you get to know well. They don't hide anything and they open their heart to you because trust grows from knowing a person's inner self. I suppose instinct plays a big part in it too... you seem to instinctively know whether you feel comfortable with somebody or whether the warning lights are flashing in your head. Then often, from the trust, openness and honesty, comes the meeting. So far, I've been lucky, and my friendships have grown through meetings, except for perhaps the odd one or two, who through other avenues, went sour, but that's all behind me. As is my trait, I say my piece and move on! The true friends I've made have stayed with me, and I truly value them. Wow... was I really the very first person you met physically? That's amazing, and the feeling is mutual, my dear friend. Even though we hadn't spoken many times, you invited me to your home and made me feel very welcome. That surely was a meeting waiting to happen, and I feel the timing of it was a very important milestone in my life. Ok... things went a bit awry, but all's well now and I think my journey down there perhaps taught me a lot, and taught a.n.other as well. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a welcoming friend at that time. As for going out in the evening, I too am a little restricted. I have plenty of friends around here, but finances limit the number of times you can spend socialising and you don't always feel like venturing out anyway. There are times when you just want to close the door on the world and chill out. That's when I come to Mylot and spend time with my online friends, some of whom, like you, are physical friends also. My computer is perhaps my biggest friend, but Mylot has initiated a lot of friendships for me. Some have come and gone, others have stayed but they each play a very important role in my life. I love the site and really value the treasures of friends I've found here, including the lovely lady from Devon! If we have trouble with physical, or local friends, we know we can come on here and talk openly and honestly about things. There is always a friend who will listen without bias, and help us through our darkest hours. I feel there's just something special and bonding about online friends. Brightest Blessings my dear friend, and thank you for your contribution. I hope all's going well for you just now. xx

Hi Darkwing, Yet another book response by you LOL, lovely lady from Devon, wonder who she could be LOL, thank you. Changes still happening but I know it will all turn out for the better in the long run, yes at times your online friends can give very unbiased opinions whereas people caught up in a situation and friends locally cannot I agree. I am just so pleased you posted that Mists of Avalon discussion all that time ago as it was that discussion that allowed our friendship to start blossoming. Love and huggles. Ellie :D

Ha ha... yep, there's no stopping me once I get my teeth into something, and you know very well who the lovely lady from Devon is! Wow... you just reminded me of that elderly lady on the bus. I kept bumping into her whilst I was there... amazing, but perhaps not as important as other things, as it had faded a little from my mind. Well, I have spoken to my friend, and I'm not sure what the situation is there, or when the visit, but he says he's coming over soon, and perhaps I can grab a few words with him then, to find out what the situation is. I know you're strong enough and wise enough to deal with what's going on but when they break down your strength, it's time to ask for help... so don't hesitate, ok? I'm glad I posted the "Mists" discussion as well. Isn't it strange how things happen sometimes, when you stop and think about them. It all marries up together, people and places, plus the timing is impecable! lol. I'm sure our friendship will continue to blossom for a very long time... I sure hope so, anyway. xxx

It's true what you say that people drop their inhibitions online, but it's also true that some cover up, hiding behind the darkness of their computer. Some use this lowering of their inhibitions as a tool to hurt people, but others are sincere and very nice people. We have to learn when to trust and when not to trust by getting to know these people's inner selves. Those who hide their true character under a cloak of deceit and lies, will invariably trip themselves up sooner or later, whilst those who are sincere, will remain constantly sincere. It's not awfully difficult to differentiate if you're alert at all times, and don't let your guard down. I'm always a little apprehensive at first but I think I'm able to select the sincere people from the pile, and thus, have made some good friends here. You have to trust people sometimes, or you'll never have a friend in the world. Words can hurt, but if not uttered by somebody you're close to, they're irrelevant and can be put behind you. Brightest Blessings my friend, and thank you for your contribution.

It's perhaps a good thing that you are a bit wary, because one can easily fall into a trap. As I said, I've been quite lucky, as my intuition has served me well, but there's always one!

Yes, I agree with you. But I dont really trust people on the internet 100% not that it matters because I never met any in real life. Words can always hurt people even online. All you have to do is hit personal attacks and a sensitive person will retaliate.

Hi Darkwing you were there when I needed you, and I hope we can be online frinds for years to come. You have given me some some support when things where not going right in my life. You are a very nice person, and I like you very much, I am glad I met you. Have a nice day! Hope you week goes well!

Thank you for your contribution, my friend, but may I suggest that you might be able to offer something a little more constructive if you were to take the time to read the discussion, rather than respond to the heading alone? Brightest Blessings.