Long distance...

When you mention meeting people on the internet to those of the older generation, you are often greeted by the opinion that it is going to be someone lying about their identity. However, if you said it to most people in this internet based society; they could probably list a few good friends that they have met online. Twitter, Youtube and many other social networks are fast becoming more popular and this leads to an increase in the amount of people you meet online. But is it always a good thing?

With most of your friends, you see them everyday; whether it's at work, school or just meeting up. It becomes a usual thing, you know your friends live at most 20 minutes away and you become accustomed to seeing them.

Then you meet someone online... It becomes completely different. However, you have a lot in common. You're probably different ages, from different parts of the country - or even different countries - but you have things in common. That Youtuber you watch, or singer you like that your 'real life' friends never understand why; your internet friends do. They also like that Youtuber. It's easy to talk to people over the internet, it's easy to have a laugh and chat all night. Those Google Hangouts, Skype calls or Facetime's make it all worthwhile; hearing their voice, seeing their face.

But then there's the negatives: they're not at any of the parties you go to, they can't help you choose an outfit or style your hair. One of the worst things about having an internet friend is being upset. There's nothing more you want to do than go to their house with a tub of your favourite ice cream and an emotional film to sit and cry all evening. You can do that with your 'real life' friends, not the ones that live a hundred miles away. Sometimes, all you need is a hug from your best friend; but if they live on the other side of the country that's pretty impossible!

I suppose that makes it all the more worthwhile when you do eventually meet. That moment when you finally see someone that you have only seen through a computer screen, is one of the most beautiful feelings. Hugging someone for the first time is an experience that will probably stay with you forever.

Love, 

Sophie x

This post is dedicated to those internet friends that I have met (Rachael & Sam) and those that I haven't (Titz, Vag, Veggie, Lizzie, Alice, Zoe, Dani, Monica, NikiNsammy, George, Maddi & Ollie) I love you all a great deal and one day we will embrace and take multiple selfies <3