I have read the doubt in their typewritten words and I have seen them scoff at the possibility of making "friends" on the internet. Those "nay" sayers stand by the belief that you have to meet a person face to face in order to form a meaningful relationship. How meaningful is a relationship based on someone's physical appearance? Over the past several years, because of the internet I have been given the opportunity to interact with people on a global plain. I have friends in Great Britain, Australia, Canada and other cities and countries with names that I don't dare pronounce. I have had the pleasure of making life time connections with some people, and with others friendships that will last a lifetime and without having to ever meet face to face. These are friends that I have yet to meet, who are just as alien as the avatars they hide behind.. Yet these friends have offered me more honesty, caring, and respect than some of my very own family. I don't want to embarass anyone, but I would like to make note of a few people who have come to be a vital part of my day. I met Patrick on a different site and initially I was a little taken aback my his blunt opinions and raw honesty. Yet, I found myself intrigued. In ny opinion, someone who isn't afraid to say what he or she really feels deserves alot of respect. More than once Patrick and I disagreed and I wasn't used to having someone be quite so frank with me. And in fact, probably would have told anyone else off. However, his consistent and yet respectful approach made me take notice and on more than one occasion I was able to see things through a perspective other than my own. I consider him to be well educated, of strong opinion and not to hard on the eye. Had I thought I couldn't possibly make friends on the internet, there would be one less Aussie in the outback with whom I could enjoy a good banter. Cheers Patrick. Then there is Steve, who also has never physically shared the same breathing space. When I first met him he was planning a trip with his father. During that trip he completely changed his itinerary to include the town in which I last lived while I was in Great Britain.. A man I have never met took the time to go to my house in which I grew up and take pictures for me. A man I have never met. If I need to talk, Steve, never fails me. He is always a loyal friend, and never has asked for anything in return. If he could do this for a stranger than his family must feel truly blessed. I love you Steve. Anne Marie. . She is literally a walking heart of gold. She is a true and loyal friend as evidenced by her actions when she lost her friend Bella. Bella's children will be eternally grateful for the lady who reached out across the miles to ensure them a brighter future. She had done the same with me and I'm sure she has done the same for others. Anne Marie is everything I wish I was. I would like to meet each of these individuals, but Anne Marie, I would really like to return the hug. And then there are those people who are fast becoming as integral part of my life as these three I have mentioned. Raia, Autumn, Robin, Joy, Akasha, Tamara, Lori, Willow, Charlene just to name a few. Recently I went through some personal trials and all of these people I have named were right there with words of encouragement and love. No judgement, no hesitation, just people helping people no questions asked. So if you think the internet is not the place to meet friends, take it from me, you couldn't find anywhere better to start.