All Friendships Inspire
Friendships both in Real Life and Online are good for you in so many ways. They are good for you physically and mentally and they can and usually do inspire. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES:
ACCESS TO LARGER SUPPORT NETWORKS:
SHARED INTEREST:
SOCIAL BALANCE:
ADAPTING TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES:
GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY vs. LOCAL INTIMACY:
Having both types of friendships gives you the best of both worlds, balancing the advantages of global connectivity with the emotional and physical closeness of in-person connections.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES:
- Online Friends often come from different regions, cultures, or backgrounds, giving you a broader perspective on life, issues, and interests.
- Real-life friends share a more localized or familiar background, offering advice and perspectives relevant to your immediate surroundings.
ACCESS TO LARGER SUPPORT NETWORKS:
- Online friends can provide emotional support across time zones, especially in moments where local friends may be unavailable.
- Real-life friends offer tangible, physical presence, which can be comforting in times of need or celebration.
SHARED INTEREST:
- Online friends are often connected by niche interests or hobbies (like gaming, fandom, or creative work), which might be harder to find in real life.
- Real-life friends can introduce you to new interests or activities that you can experience together physically (e.g., sports, dining out, local events).
SOCIAL BALANCE:
- Online friendships can be more flexible with communication, allowing you to connect on your own schedule, which is helpful for introverts or those with busy lives.
- Real-life friendships encourage face-to-face interactions that help maintain healthy social skills and emotional intelligence.
ADAPTING TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES:
- Online friends may remain constant, even if you move to a new city or country, providing continuity.
- Real-life friends help anchor you in the local community and create a sense of belonging wherever you are.
GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY vs. LOCAL INTIMACY:
- Online friends expand your global connections, providing exposure to different ways of life, cultures, and opinions.
- Real-life friends offer depth and intimacy, as face-to-face interaction often fosters stronger emotional bonds.
Having both types of friendships gives you the best of both worlds, balancing the advantages of global connectivity with the emotional and physical closeness of in-person connections.
Links to Friendship
“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. “
– Linda Grayson
– Linda Grayson
"I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff." Jon Katz
