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I don't think that virtual relationships are taking precedence, just adding another layer to how you meet people, and creating opportunities to be in touch with people who you otherwise would not get to meet. Through the internet, I have been able to keep in touch with my friends in Germany, France, Greece, Canada and Australia, as well as through the UK, friendships which may well have begun to peter out if left to just communicating through cards at birthday and Christmas. We can write each other quick notes or substantial emails, depending on how long we have in front of the computer, but whatever the length of the communication, it creates that wonderful bond.

Through a networking website, I have made several very good friendships, which haven't just remained in cyberspace. As one example, I saw the page for a lady called Vanessa and she had similar tastes in music to me. I asked her to be my "friend" and we exchanged email messages and got a good vibe about each other. Then she mentioned a concert in London (where I live) by a singer we both liked. She was coming down from Nottingham for it and when she suggested meeting up for this gig, I thought why not? We spoke very briefly on the phone to make arrangements a couple of days beforehand and both came away thinking that our instincts were right and that we would get on well. This was indeed the case as on the day, having exchanged texts about what we would be wearing just to avoid any embarrassing confusion, the first thing we did on meeting was fling our arms around each other! It just seemed like the most natural thing to do after swapping girly banter over the web! I felt I knew her so well that it seemed odd halfway through the evening to suddenly be discovering surnames. We have met up several times since, whilst still keeping up our cyberspace contact.

On networking sites, you can make new friends who you would otherwise never "meet" and it makes the world seem pleasingly small and cosy. I've been in touch with singer I've never met, but whose work I've loved for decades. I've finally been able to tell her how much her songs have meant to me, which was, judging by her reaction, as much a treat for her as for me. I've also had an email from another singer who read a review I had written on my blog of his show. I am a 48 year old woman, but I have a lot of 20-something friends over the web with whom I discuss indie music. I wouldn't imagine that I could walk into a club and get talking to these younger people face to face, but over the web, it is our common interest which is important. Once you have made the contact, however, it is no problem to meet up with them at a gig to which you are both going.

I wouldn't be without my virtual friends, if only because so many of them become "flesh and blood" friends!

Learn more about this author, Deborah Henry-Pollard.
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