Building Real, Enduring Relationships Through Social Networking

Social Networking gets a bad rap. Jokes abound about time wasted on facebook playing games and learning things about people you never wanted to know. Mention blogging as a hobby and prepare to see some eyes roll.

I woke up this morning to a myriad of fb birthday wishes teeming from my inbox, however, and thought, “Look at all of the friendships I’ve made through social networking!” Some of them are long-lost roommates, others friends I’ve made over the years, and many are actually family members. Often they are people I’ve met a few times or knew at different times in my life, but distance and life circumstances mean we’d rarely connect if not for facebook and blogging.

I made a less than favorable impression the last time I attended my husband’s family reunions (I am not always great when car travel, camping, and the unexpected are combined). That was six years ago and I’ve grown up some since then, become less self-centered, gained a new perspective, and established a family. Social networking, thankfully, provided me the opportunity to make a new, second impression. This summer, I was sad to miss out on the family reunions and this weekend I wished I could have attended a family wedding. There were so many people I wanted to catch up with in person, meet their families, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon chatting with.

You see, over the past few years, blogging and facebook has helped me build relationships and friendships with many of Tim’s family. I always enjoy Annalise’s blog posts sharing her baking adventures, favorite movies, and musings on life.  Jessica always has a kind word to say, a great blog chronicling her family life, and terrific advice.  I love chatting with Rebecca, an outstanding photographer and confident woman, and know I can bend her ear with those things you need to vent, but just can’t say to anyone. And these are just a few of Tim’s family members I’ve come to know and consider my friends through social networking.

Then there’s my own family. Through fb, I can stay connected to my sisters, as well as my nieces and nephews, communicating with them and sharing a bit of their everyday lives. Online, I’ve come to know my smart and sassy cousin, Leai, who I’ve only met a couple of times in real life. I’ve even had the opportunity to help edit some of her papers, giving me the chance to read her point of view and share a bit in her life. When my mother’s family gathered this summer, I felt less awkward about talking with my cousins who I don’t get to see often, because I’d shared in their lives a bit through facebook. Fb gave us a place to start a conversation and we spent an enjoyable afternoon together.

And the list could go on and on. There’s my dear friend, Rochelle, a “bosom buddy,” who has married since I moved away. Her blog helps me get to know her sweet husband a bit better and to feel a part of her life. I’ve met Maggie, a Canadian retailer who makes incredible items, and someone I consider a friend. Add to that my previous boss and mentor, Jaylyn, someone definitely worth knowing. Then there’s my dear friend Kelly, someone I’ve known and loved for 30 years! Without social networking, we might send a Christmas card each year, but this way we can be easily connected on a regular basis.

Online connections will never replace face-to-face relationships. They do, however, open up a world where we can share a bit of ourselves, give someone a second chance, and discover commonalities we might not have otherwise discovered. I truly feel honored to know so many amazing people this way and consider it a blessing that they (you!) are interested in my life and have taken the time to get to know me through facebook and blogging.