What Does 'Friendship' Mean to You?
Melizmatic
2011/01/25 19:30:41
When I first joined this site, people who want to be "added" were called 'followers'; a term which I didn't agree with at the time.
But shortly thereafter, one of SH's many famous 'upgrades' occurred, and the terminology was changed to "friends."
And that was acceptable enough; although subconsciously, it did strike me as mildly ironic, given that the vast majority of the members here don't actually know each other from a can of paint.
Nevertheless, I didn't give it too much more thought, until very recently.
As the atmosphere on the site has become filled with more hostile energy, negativity and outright animosity, (especially when politics, religion and/or personal morality issues are involved) I've been considering the concept of 'online friends', and I've been busy observing the interactions of others.
I've noticed that some people seem to think that being their 'friend' means that you will always agree completely with their point of view, and support it; no matter what they say, nor how they say it.
Additonally, I've noticed that these kind of people seem to end up getting very bent out of shape if (and when) you fail to meet up to that unrealistic expectation.
I've also seen people who claim to be "friends" when in fact, they act more like 'frenemies'; perpetually trash-talking about each other, and baiting each other into unnecessary arguments.
Personally, I think that true friends, both in real life and online, are the people who accept you for exactly who you are, with all your faults, and they like you anyway.
To my thinking, good friends don't expect you to think and behave exactly like they do, and they don't belittle you for daring to have your own viewpoint.
Real friends have your back when you need support, but they also call you on your bullshit when you are in the wrong, and they're no less your friend for their honesty.
But that's just my opinion. I'm interested in hearing what you think.
What is your definition of friendship?
But shortly thereafter, one of SH's many famous 'upgrades' occurred, and the terminology was changed to "friends."
And that was acceptable enough; although subconsciously, it did strike me as mildly ironic, given that the vast majority of the members here don't actually know each other from a can of paint.
Nevertheless, I didn't give it too much more thought, until very recently.
As the atmosphere on the site has become filled with more hostile energy, negativity and outright animosity, (especially when politics, religion and/or personal morality issues are involved) I've been considering the concept of 'online friends', and I've been busy observing the interactions of others.
I've noticed that some people seem to think that being their 'friend' means that you will always agree completely with their point of view, and support it; no matter what they say, nor how they say it.
Additonally, I've noticed that these kind of people seem to end up getting very bent out of shape if (and when) you fail to meet up to that unrealistic expectation.
I've also seen people who claim to be "friends" when in fact, they act more like 'frenemies'; perpetually trash-talking about each other, and baiting each other into unnecessary arguments.
Personally, I think that true friends, both in real life and online, are the people who accept you for exactly who you are, with all your faults, and they like you anyway.
To my thinking, good friends don't expect you to think and behave exactly like they do, and they don't belittle you for daring to have your own viewpoint.
Real friends have your back when you need support, but they also call you on your bullshit when you are in the wrong, and they're no less your friend for their honesty.
But that's just my opinion. I'm interested in hearing what you think.
What is your definition of friendship?
Top Opinion
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Ding A Ling B Dead 2011/01/25 19:58:18
+5You see it just like I do. Now, don't go changing your opinion or I'm going to get really pissed and you'll definitely hear from me about it... :D
I'm kidding. There were several things I didn't know when I first joined. For example, I thought that a rave notification was just telling me what comments I posted, and when I got more than one rave I just assumed there was a glitch xD
Thanks.
"Friends help you move.
Real friends help you move
Bodies.
Can we be real friends?
I have to move again..."
I was mostly referring to friendships in real life, but generally the same principle can be applied; treat others as you want to be treated.
That being said; I concur that online, everything must be taken with a grain of salt...
*lolz
http://www.fhm.com/imgs/631/4...
It's "counselor".
Some of us are fully grown, and above trolling.
Now run along and go do some homework, or something else productive.
That is quite unkind of you. I'm in high school-- and still at school right now, in fact!
*lolz
Nah, just kidding.
I don't really see you as a 'kid,' because you consistently conduct yourself more as an adult.
I find that the way one conducts itself depends on how conducive in leading to an understanding they intend their words to be. ;)
Check out the big brain on you!