The reason I ask this is because today I was thinking about my own life. I was thinking about how I put in so much time to online friends (which all of you are great, btw), but when it comes to real life...it's harder for me to make lasting friendships. It's kind of funny too because I have several people that I consider to be my friends in real life, and I have them on my myspace. I talk to them all the time on there, leave them nice comments, engage in great conversation...BUT, when it comes to talking to them in real life, or making plans with them, etc...I am pretty shy. I tend to not be able to be as outgoing in person with them, as I do online.

So, has your online life taken over your real life?

Let me just follow up on that by saying, you know I understand sweetie, and you know I love you.  :-* :-*  :) :-* :-*

Seriously I feel the same way about myself too, so I can relate there. I've always had casual friends and people I'm cool with, but I don't have any "blood brother" buddies I see everyday. I guess as people get older, they get involved in their own lives, which is understandable to a point...but it can make creating new frienships harder.

I could go on about it forever in a poetic "sappy '80s love song" or "Jerry Springer giving a Final Thought" way, but in short, I think it's in a way easier to make friends online. One, because there's common interests (a board like this for example that draws more "old school minded" people), and also and maybe more importantly, because it gives you a chance to really get to know other people better. You can be yourself easier because there's not the pressure there can be face to face, where you might get ignored in favor of someone else.

So I think it makes perfect sense, and I'm thankful for it everyday now. :)

Yeah I used to make fun of a friend of mine who spent all her time on line talking to her so called friends... I'm like you can't make friends on line those people hiding away in their apartments...GIVE ME A BREAK! you need a real life....

yeah now I am hiding away in my apartment talking to the friends I've made on line!  ::)


I think I owe someone an apology!  ;D

^ People still kinda don't take online friendships or relationships seriously, do they? Not just older people, but any age...they still treat it like "oh how do you who they really are" and stuff. Why do you think it's not respected at large and people act like it's still 1997 and brand new?

Actually, I totally know what you are talking about.  I have many friends online.  Not really anybody offline that I talk to very often.  I have two people that I know offline that live hours away from me, and I talk to them online and sometimes will phone them to say hello.  But I think I've gotten so comfortable with being online that my social personality offline has withered.  I can't really explain it but it feels like it alot more risky to talk to somebody face-to-face or even on the phone.  Somehow I've come to depend on smilies or internet acronyms such as lol.

I'm the same person online and off.  It's just...I usually let my hubby do the talking offline, he is a chatterbox and I feel comfortable being quiet and listening.  Although truthfully, I don't hear as well as I used to (hearing in one ear is close to nothing and hearing in the other ear is getting worse and worse.)  So...that leaves the internet for me to communicate.

My mom always tells me I should have more friends (meaning offline) but I'm satisfied (to an extent) with my life online, and I would probably meet ya'll if I lived closer. 

^ People still kinda don't take online friendships or relationships seriously, do they? Not just older people, but any age...they still treat it like "oh how do you who they really are" and stuff. Why do you think it's not respected at large and people act like it's still 1997 and brand new?



well like Q said...it's all because of the "image" that society has taken on concerning online frequenters. It was established that they are either losers with no life (thus creating one online)...or creeps who are stalking 12 year old girls. Yes...both DO exist..but some of the nicest people I've "met" in my life have been through online contacts.

I think creeps and losers might only be about 5% of the real online population, but they make an image for everyone, sadly.

I think creeps and losers might only be about 5% of the real online population, but they make an image for everyone, sadly.


I think the statistics might be a "bit" higher than that...but none the less...there ARE good people out there.

I'm a little more quiet off line... well until I get to "know" you... sometimes I try too hard and then my lovely sarcastic wit can turn unintentionally biting...  those who love me..love me... and those who hate me REALLY HATE ME... so you know..

I worry about meeting some people because I don't want to ruin the friendships I've established... but there are some of you guys though that I really REALLY do  want to meet.... 


I think tho that I have totally changed because of my addiction to this board. Although I am not as active as say a few months ago...work sucks!  I still relish the time I spend with my friends.  I have missed TV shows to be on line...and I never miss tv shows!

^ People still kinda don't take online friendships or relationships seriously, do they? Not just older people, but any age...they still treat it like "oh how do you who they really are" and stuff. Why do you think it's not respected at large and people act like it's still 1997 and brand new?


And to them I say, "And how do you know who people are in REAL LIFE?" I've met some real @ssholes in my time, and they weren't from the internet.

Some of my best friends come from this mangled mass of wires and I am PROUD of it. I met my husband on here and I don't care. When Rice and I first started dating, I used to dread the "how did you meet?" question. Now I just blurt it out and if people look at me weird, that's their problem.

To answer your question, yes, the web affected my life. For the better, I think. I'm not adverse to going out and meeting people in real life, but I'm glad to know that if those friendships don't work out, I can come back to my boards. :)

I think the statistics might be a "bit" higher than that...but none the less...there ARE good people out there.



yeah my friend has a bit of um..an addiction to ......well lets just say she's not above the casual hook up  8-P

so for me hearing this person who was in some ways too social...yet very much kept to herself I thought her being online as much as she was was very unhealthy... by the same token. I have become more withdrawn from the real world than I used to be because I enjoy the time I spend here.  In some ways its not completely healthy.....but I have made formed some friendships that I value as much as my "real" friendships.... 

I met both of my husbands on the internet.  :P  The first one...well...I guess that was just a practice marriage.  8-P

The second (and final) one is working out splendidly.  I'm kinda proud of how we met.  Lord knows I tried to find somebody offline for many years.  I dated some but spent alot of time on my own or with a gay guy friend.  So hey, I think the internet is great.  lol

I met both of my husbands on the internet.  :P  The first one...well...I guess that was just a practice marriage.  8-P

The second (and final) one is working out splendidly.  I'm kinda proud of how we met.  Lord knows I tried to find somebody offline for many years.  I dated some but spent alot of time on my own or with a gay guy friend.  So hey, I think the internet is great.  lol


amazing how some of those internet romances can work out despite the perception huh?

What is this "real" life of which you speak?

Calm down!  It's all just ones and zeroes!

No It hasn't.I enjoy coming home from a long day and talking to you guys but I also like to talk to my old friends whom I've known for well over a decade so actually both can be enjoyed.

Has it hindered my real life?  You bet!  ;D  I'm forever in trouble with my wife for not doing chores and generally procrastinating. I just can't seem to drag myself away sometimes...... :o 

Has it hindered my real life?  You bet!  ;D   I'm forever in trouble with my wife for not doing chores and generally procrastinating. I just can't seem to drag myself away sometimes...... :o 





From here?

From here?


Absolutely from here.........sometimes this place really goes off and can be riveting... ;)

Absolutely from here.........sometimes this place really goes off and can be riveting... ;)


Yes I know what you mean Gibbo.

Yes I know what you mean Gibbo.



....even when people are fighting...it's exciting.... :o

....even when people are fighting...it's exciting.... :o


That's why I've been here 7 years.

That's why I've been here 7 years.



Oi vay...the stories he could tell.... ;)

Yes

No, in fact in some ways, with the advent of social networking sites it helps.

I've met people out and about, said "hey, look me up on facebook" or something to that effect (because let's face it, it's far more casual than thrusting your phone number in to some stunners hand) and badabing, badaboom, result!

I wish I could get internet romance to work for me.  I ain't having much luck in the real world :\'(

I wish I could get internet romance to work for me.  I ain't having much luck in the real world :\'(



I've had experience with online romance and in real life romance...and both instances brought wackos to me at times. :D

well like Q said...it's all because of the "image" that society has taken on concerning online frequenters. It was established that they are either losers with no life (thus creating one online)...or creeps who are stalking 12 year old girls. Yes...both DO exist..but some of the nicest people I've "met" in my life have been through online contacts.


I do believe we are 'Creep' free on this site ?  Still you never know ?  :-X  .....
















http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9914/creepdg1.jpg

  ::)  :P

















....even when people are fighting...it's exciting.... :o





People fight ?  ???    :o


You mean HERE gibbo ... on THIS site ... gibbo ?  ???  :(  :\'(



Fortunately,  never been involved in one of them  ... myself, that is.  8)    :)    ::)




















http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/3250/alfootballmn9.jpg






http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2753/bbalbatoy1.jpg







http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5955/pballqb7.jpg
As long as he doesn't turn the ball around .... it's ALRIGHT !  8)


:P







:D




;D

I do believe we are 'Creep' free on this site ?  Still you never know ?  :-X  .....
















http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9914/creepdg1.jpg

  ::)   :P


















People fight ?  ???    :o


You mean HERE gibbo ... on THIS site ... gibbo ?   ???   :(   :\'(



Fortunately,  never been involved in one of them  ... myself, that is.   8)    :)    ::)




















http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/3250/alfootballmn9.jpg






http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2753/bbalbatoy1.jpg







http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5955/pballqb7.jpg
As long as he doesn't turn the ball around .... it's ALRIGHT !   8)


:P







:D




;D


Of course, I never meant you...... ;D

Has it hindered my real life?  You bet!  ;D   I'm forever in trouble with my wife for not doing chores and generally procrastinating. I just can't seem to drag myself away sometimes...... :o 




My husband says the same thing..The other day I was playing in the arcade...lost track of time.next thing you know it was 11:15..and my husband was mumbling something about the computer was ruining his life,he was going to throw it out the window. He thinks posting is a waste of his and my time..The friends online are the only friends that I really have contact with...Good God I lead such a depressing life..come to think of it this has become my life.

My husband says the same thing..The other day I was playing in the arcade...lost track of time.next thing you know it was 11:15..and my husband was mumbling something about the computer was ruining his life,he was going to throw it out the window. He thinks posting is a waste of his and my time..The friends online are the only friends that I really have contact with...Good God I lead such a depressing life..come to think of it this has become my life.


don't look at the quantity just look at the quality  of friends.... I doubt you'd find friends as wicked as Alan and Peter in the real world....  ;D

My husband says the same thing..The other day I was playing in the arcade...lost track of time.next thing you know it was 11:15..and my husband was mumbling something about the computer was ruining his life,he was going to throw it out the window. He thinks posting is a waste of his and my time..The friends online are the only friends that I really have contact with...Good God I lead such a depressing life..come to think of it this has become my life.


But seriously ... I didn't realise there WAS that kind of tension between you and your husband. I imagine it's a  similar story  for you too, Erin ( 'Quirk' ) ? 

But seriously ... I didn't realise there WAS that kind of tension between you and your husband. I imagine it's a  similar story  for you too, Erin ( 'Quirk' ) ? 

My husband says there wont be tension if I would spend more time with him,and less time on the computer.

My husband says there wont be tension if I would spend more time with him,and less time on the computer.


Whilst I DO enjoy your company  :) ... I do believe ALL of us ..... < included .... should strive for more balance in our lives (easier said than done ! )  :-[



Time spent playing with online friends great .... but that time could be devoted to the nearest and dearest. Well, as long as it seems to be working .... BUT there could be regrets later (generally speaking / no one particular person in mind)  ..... that more time wasn't given to THOSE people ?  :(

My husband says there wont be tension if I would spend more time with him,and less time on the computer.



Do what you have to do ....we'll all still be here when you can play again  ;)
Plus maybe I can win back some of those titles you stole took from me.

But seriously ... I didn't realise there WAS that kind of tension between you and your husband. I imagine it's a  similar story  for you too, Erin ( 'Quirk' ) ? 



no, not really. When I'm on the computer...he usually plays video games. LOL! ;D

don't look at the quantity just look at the quality  of friends.... I doubt you'd find friends as wicked as Alan and Peter in the real world....  ;D


Don't leave yourself out of THAT equation Q...... ;)

My husband says the same thing..The other day I was playing in the arcade...lost track of time.next thing you know it was 11:15..and my husband was mumbling something about the computer was ruining his life,he was going to throw it out the window. He thinks posting is a waste of his and my time..The friends online are the only friends that I really have contact with...Good God I lead such a depressing life..come to think of it this has become my life.


I feel your pain Janine.....we all loves ya!!!  :-* ;) :)

no, not really. When I'm on the computer...he usually plays video games. LOL! ;D


Not fair......my wife (and I, of course) try to teach our kids there are other things to do besides play games on the computer. Therein lays my conflict of interest. I'm in the position of being a bad role model (and also being treated as one of the kids)....

Alan...you are correct it is all about balance. You may have noticed I'm on later at night now (after the kids have gone to bed etc)..but it is harder on my health with lack of sleep etc...

Not fair......my wife (and I, of course) try to teach our kids there are other things to do besides play games on the computer. Therein lays my conflict of interest. I'm in the position of being a bad role model (and also being treated as one of the kids)....

Alan...you are correct it is all about balance. You may have noticed I'm on later at night now (after the kids have gone to bed etc)..but it is harder on my health with lack of sleep etc...


hypocrite!  ;D

Not fair......my wife (and I, of course) try to teach our kids there are other things to do besides play games on the computer. Therein lays my conflict of interest. I'm in the position of being a bad role model (and also being treated as one of the kids)....

Alan...you are correct it is all about balance. You may have noticed I'm on later at night now (after the kids have gone to bed etc)..but it is harder on my health with lack of sleep etc...



well we only go on the computer/play video games when Vaughn is already in bed. When he's awake...we do educational/recreational things with him.

My husband says there wont be tension if I would spend more time with him,and less time on the computer.
It's the other way round in our house.  ;D This is the only time I get near the computer. We have it set up in the sitting room otherwise I'd never see him at all!

Oi vay...the stories he could tell.... ;)



loads of stories on here.

don't look at the quantity just look at the quality  of friends.... I doubt you'd find friends as wicked as Alan and Peter in the real world....  ;D

Thank God ;D ;D...No I love all you guys,but my husband would probably not let me talk to them if we meet face to face :(

my real life frequently hinders my online life.

Do what you have to do ....we'll all still be here when you can play again  ;)
Plus maybe I can win back some of those titles you stole took from me.



I just stoled another..luckily Tim has started to discover the games,so now he wants me off the computer so he can play :)
I feel your pain Janine.....we all loves ya!!!  :-* ;) :)

We love you too :)
It's the other way round in our house.  ;D This is the only time I get near the computer. We have it set up in the sitting room otherwise I'd never see him at all!

Tim  has decided to share the comp. with me and play in the arcade, but he still thinks I spend too much time on it.

my real life frequently hinders my online life.


Mine too!

Mine too!
reality < LTE

I have no life besides this one.  ;D

Thank God ;D ;D...No I love all you guys,but my husband would probably not let me talk to them if we meet face to face :(


8)    :-*  ;D

:)

Yes It Has. :(

hypocrite!   ;D




Now that's not very nice Q......You know, I'm ALWAYS nice to you... ::)

In many ways.

I guess a little but i feel my online life is as real as my "real" life so it's all good.

I believe in a way I spend more time online than with my friends, but I still try to keep a balance. However, with our busy lives, getting together with friends are becoming few and far between.

No, not really.  I moved last September and my online friends kept me sane.  I'm not comfortable in daily face to face hanging out with friends, so it's hard for me to replace the "real life" friends I did have.  What's really funny is when I mention one of my online friends and my real life friends ask "who's that?"

No, not really.  I moved last September and my online friends kept me sane.  I'm not comfortable in daily face to face hanging out with friends, so it's hard for me to replace the "real life" friends I did have. 


Hey ... think I moved the same month !  8)





  What's really funny is when I mention one of my online friends and my real life friends ask "who's that?"


:-[





Thought they'd heard of ME .... on Mars !


:P



:D


(Well, a 'space ace' might know the answer to that one ? )  ;D

Hey ... think I moved the same month !  8)




:-[





Thought they'd heard of ME .... on Mars !


:P



:D


(Well, a 'space ace' might know the answer to that one ? )  ;D


It was my first time moving out of the area, so it was difficult.  It would have been much worse with out the internet.  September's not a bad month to move.

They probably have heard of you on Mars.  It just so happens that I'm not from Mars.  I'm from a galaxy and a half north-east of Mars.

It was my first time moving out of the area, so it was difficult.  It would have been much worse with out the internet.  September's not a bad month to move.

They probably have heard of you on Mars.  It just so happens that I'm not from Mars.  I'm from a galaxy and a half north-east of Mars.


Fortunately .. I have a wireless service ... so was able to get the internet straight away, when I moved.


I thought you were gonna tell me you're from Venus ..... (Men are from Mars ........ ) .

Fortunately .. I have a wireless service ... so was able to get the internet straight away, when I moved.


I thought you were gonna tell me you're from Venus ..... (Men are from Mars ........ ) .


I had a laptop with good security.  I think I tried to read that book once.  For some reason it seemed a little too weird for me to proceed.

I had a laptop with good security.  I think I tried to read that book once.  For some reason it seemed a little too weird for me to proceed.


I've seen that guy on tv ... John Gray. He comes across as ANYTHING but a man's man ... to me. Almost effeminate !

I've seen that guy on tv ... John Gray. He comes across as ANYTHING but a man's man ... to me. Almost effeminate !


No dear, he's just very sensitive.  Most sensitive men can show a bit of femininity and be comfortable with it.  Not to be confused with gay or any other gender issues.

No dear, he's just very sensitive.  Most sensitive men can show a bit of femininity and be comfortable with it.  Not to be confused with gay or any other gender issues.


I wouldn't have a problem with him being gay ... and 'sensitivity' ..... well, I reckon I've got my fair share of that too.  Maybe it's his appearance ?    ???    :-\\ 

I wouldn't have a problem with him being gay ... and 'sensitivity' ..... well, I reckon I've got my fair share of that too.  Maybe it's his appearance ?    ???    :-\\ 


He kind of looks like a ten year old boy.  There's just that underdeveloped look about him.

He kind of looks like a ten year old boy.  There's just that underdeveloped look about him.



I guess that's what I'm getting at. Yeah, I did start to read his book some years back .... but like you ... tuned out for some reason (and that's BEFORE I'd ever seen him ... ).

I have no life besides the virtual world.

I have no life besides the virtual world.


You have been integrated into the silicon chips. I'm there too ... amongst the sillycon chips.

You have been integrated into the silicon chips. I'm there too ... amongst the sillycon chips.


Do you have any dip for those chips? LOL! ;D

I believe in a way I spend more time online than with my friends, but I still try to keep a balance. However, with our busy lives, getting together with friends are becoming few and far between.

I totally agree, it's the same with me. The good thing about online interactions is that it's instant and you can do it no matter how far away you are (thank gosh for that). ;) I think the computer is almost like an interactive form of entertainment, and it's cool to add it to our lives as long as we still keep a balance with real friends and family and stuff.

Has rigor mortis been mentioned in this thread yet?

Has rigor mortis been mentioned in this thread yet?


Yes It Is unfortunately.

I'd say it has enriched it in a lot of ways  :)

I'd say it has enriched it in a lot of ways  :)



And you have discovered ..... your famous 'double'  !    ;D

And you have discovered ..... your famous 'double'  !    ;D


She has a double?

She has a double?


That would be double trouble  :o

Has rigor mortis been mentioned in this thread yet?


Wow, and I thought being stuck to your chair for a week out of fear that you may miss something was a bit much.

That would be double trouble  :o


    :o ??? :-\\ :(

Wow, and I thought being stuck to your chair for a week out of fear that you may miss something was a bit much.


rigor mortis is worse. :o

On line live is helping me to start a live.  I get by with a little help from my friends
Stuck in cyberspace I'm too

rigor mortis is worse. :o


Rigor mortis happens when you're dead.  Yep, it's MUCH worse!!!

Rigor mortis happens when you're dead.  Yep, it's MUCH worse!!!
When dead you cannot be online.

lol  I sometimes get more ticked off easier online then I do in "real life", I wonder what that means?  Perhaps I should learn to do some cyber yoga or something.  :-\\

The reason I ask this is because today I was thinking about my own life. I was thinking about how I put in so much time to online friends (which all of you are great, btw), but when it comes to real life...it's harder for me to make lasting friendships. It's kind of funny too because I have several people that I consider to be my friends in real life, and I have them on my myspace. I talk to them all the time on there, leave them nice comments, engage in great conversation...BUT, when it comes to talking to them in real life, or making plans with them, etc...I am pretty shy. I tend to not be able to be as outgoing in person with them, as I do online.

So, has your online life taken over your real life?


I haven't read any responses to this so I don't know how anyone else feels, but I can totally relate.  I think the internet has kinda ruined it for people who don't have the best social skills, like me.  It gives shy/self-conscious people a way to express themselves through anonymity (sp?).  I only have 1 friend in real life that I consistently make plans with.  Everyone else is online and it seems that I prefer it that way... most of the time.  It's just easier because, as selfish as this may sound, it's all on my terms.  I only have to chat when I want to.  There's no phone ringing, no messages to return.  I hate talking on the phone.  But I'm sure I'm doing damage by being online so much... it's just not a good way to function.  I have a hard time communicating with people in real life, especially when it comes to conflict.  But I guess I can't blame the internet, it's my fault after all.  Not to say you're the same way, but this is just what I see happening to me.

I haven't read any responses to this so I don't know how anyone else feels, but I can totally relate.  I think the internet has kinda ruined it for people who don't have the best social skills, like me.  It gives shy/self-conscious people a way to express themselves through anonymity (sp?).  I only have 1 friend in real life that I consistently make plans with.  Everyone else is online and it seems that I prefer it that way... most of the time.  It's just easier because, as selfish as this may sound, it's all on my terms.  I only have to chat when I want to.  There's no phone ringing, no messages to return.  I hate talking on the phone.  But I'm sure I'm doing damage by being online so much... it's just not a good way to function.  I have a hard time communicating with people in real life, especially when it comes to conflict.  But I guess I can't blame the internet, it's my fault after all.  Not to say you're the same way, but this is just what I see happening to me.
You remind me of the furniture delivery guy on My Name is Earl...........

You remind me of the furniture delivery guy on My Name is Earl...........


whaddya mean?

I haven't read any responses to this so I don't know how anyone else feels, but I can totally relate.  I think the internet has kinda ruined it for people who don't have the best social skills, like me.  It gives shy/self-conscious people a way to express themselves through anonymity (sp?).  I only have 1 friend in real life that I consistently make plans with.  Everyone else is online and it seems that I prefer it that way... most of the time.  It's just easier because, as selfish as this may sound, it's all on my terms.  I only have to chat when I want to.  There's no phone ringing, no messages to return.  I hate talking on the phone.  But I'm sure I'm doing damage by being online so much... it's just not a good way to function.  I have a hard time communicating with people in real life, especially when it comes to conflict.  But I guess I can't blame the internet, it's my fault after all.  Not to say you're the same way, but this is just what I see happening to me.


Geez, you just described me to a "T".

I haven't read any responses to this so I don't know how anyone else feels, but I can totally relate.  I think the internet has kinda ruined it for people who don't have the best social skills, like me.  It gives shy/self-conscious people a way to express themselves through anonymity (sp?).  I only have 1 friend in real life that I consistently make plans with.  Everyone else is online and it seems that I prefer it that way... most of the time.  It's just easier because, as selfish as this may sound, it's all on my terms.  I only have to chat when I want to.  There's no phone ringing, no messages to return.  I hate talking on the phone.  But I'm sure I'm doing damage by being online so much... it's just not a good way to function.  I have a hard time communicating with people in real life, especially when it comes to conflict.  But I guess I can't blame the internet, it's my fault after all.  Not to say you're the same way, but this is just what I see happening to me.


very well put, Bill...and yes, I can totally relate.  Sometimes I don't mind that most of my friends are online...but sometimes it just kills me that the people that I hold dearest to me (besides my family) are all over the world, and the chances of even meeting up with a small percentage of them is slim to none. It's like, I think to myself...here are people who I have poured my heart out to at times, yet chances are that I will never even get to meet them before I die someday....isn't that morbidly sad?  And it's like...yes, it would be cool to have a "real life meeting"...but I wonder how it would be in real life with all of us? We are all able to express ourselves so well over the net...but would it be a scenario of everyone just kind of standing around looking at the ceiling? I guess the funniest thing would be having us all sitting in a room communicating on laptops!! :D ;D

When dead you cannot be online.


Your spirit can. ;D

And it's like...yes, it would be cool to have a "real life meeting"...but I wonder how it would be in real life with all of us?



Sometimes .... well ..... strange things HAVE been known to happen. Do NOT miss THIS one .... Erin !



http://www.inthe00s.com/index.php?topic=32408.0


::)

Your spirit can. ;D
I am willing to give it a go, when the time comes.

In ways though, it has opened up my life more so then I'd ever be able to accomplish in real life. 

For instance, I was able to listen both Henk and Gis sing in their choirs, when realistically that wouldn't happen if it hadn't been available online.

Being online opened me up to a new hobby (photo editing) which I had no real interest in offline.

It's a toss-up though, because I've bought so much crap online at e-bay that I probably wouldn't have had I seen it for that price in a local store. 
I really need to get my butt in gear and put up some auctions to sell the stuff I don't want anymore.  Just been kinda lethargic about it.  (Hence why I live in Sanford & Sons junkyard/house).  ;D

I am willing to give it a go, when the time comes.


Good Luck to it.

Good Luck to it.
Let me know it it works?

Let me know it it works?



But I was asking YOU that question.

Hey, on-line activities are all fine until you start neglecting your REAL life. Again...It's all about balance......

No dear, he's just very sensitive.  Most sensitive men can show a bit of femininity and be comfortable with it.  Not to be confused with gay or any other gender issues.



I don't know about that... I mean usually I am anti all stereotypes but I was watching this episode of WifeSwap and everything about the father screamed gay to me but the guy seemed to think he was hetero. I think he was facing some deep denial there....or faking it because his best friend wanted to be on tV.


back to the topic....
Has online life hindered your real life?

Let's see... it's the first day of my vacation and, because my wireless router isn't working, I am at work hiding in a back office so I can converse with you guys....I'm gonna go with yes it has  ;D 


for the record I couldn't get to my desk so I could use my desktop...nor could I get to it to get behind it to unplug and check all my connections...so for the record...what should I be doing instead of posting? Cleaning my damn apartment.  ;D

Interesting topic. Online life used to hinder my real life but I feel like I can come and go as I please these days.

In a lot of ways, I find it more difficult to deal with people on Myspace/Facebook than in a social setting because, unlike a forum, there isn't a focus or a thread that gives you a starting point as to what to write about.

I was talking to my mom today and I was like, "ya know..I don't really have any friends...except for my online friends"..and she was like, "well that's not good".

Do you think a lot of people just don't understand the phenomenon of having online friends and how serious some of the friendships can be...UNLESS they experience it themselves?

Do any of you get slack from a spouse/parent/friends/family for spending so much time online and having more of an online life than not?

I was talking to my mom today and I was like, "ya know..I don't really have any friends...except for my online friends"..and she was like, "well that's not good".

Do you think a lot of people just don't understand the phenomenon of having online friends and how serious some of the friendships can be...UNLESS they experience it themselves?

Do any of you get slack from a spouse/parent/friends/family for spending so much time online and having more of an online life than not?


Outside of my parents and maybe a couple other immediate relatives, you're the most important person to me, hon. And in alot of ways literally THE closest, since you know more about me (and vice versa) than anyone else....and that's something I'd love to share with friends and anyone else. So yeah, I meet some resistance or at least friendly teasing/not understanding sometimes, and that hurts.

Online friendships and relationships are pretty much stuck where they were in 1997 when the Internet was brand new, in the sense they haven't really earned much respectability, even among younger people. Even though lots of people have successfully done it, you hear it all the time, that "oh how do you really know them?" routine.

I think there's this idea that the Internet is for losers (at least in terms of communicating) because so-called people with social skills and a life don't need that. The bad apples ruined it for everyone else, but I still get really upset by that assumption. They don't think that some people (like me) find it easier to express themself in words rather than in person. You have more time to think about what you wanna say, and I also get self conscious and concerned with what people are gonna think of me. Sometimes I'm really outgoing, but lots of times I'm not. I've always been kinda shy (until people get to know me and I can relax), especially around cute girls and all lol. I'm only now just starting to REALLY come out of it, probably thanks to you sweetie. :)

If there's ever anything to be proud of in life, it's that you've been able to do that for someone...just by being you.

Outside of my parents and maybe a couple other immediate relatives, you're the most important person to me, hon. And in alot of ways literally THE closest, since you know more about me (and vice versa) than anyone else....and that's something I'd love to share with friends and anyone else. So yeah, I meet some resistance or at least friendly teasing/not understanding sometimes, and that hurts.

Online friendships and relationships are pretty much stuck where they were in 1997 when the Internet was brand new, in the sense they haven't really earned much respectability, even among younger people. Even though lots of people have successfully done it, you hear it all the time, that "oh how do you really know them?" routine.

I think there's this idea that the Internet is for losers (at least in terms of communicating) because so-called people with social skills and a life don't need that. The bad apples ruined it for everyone else, but I still get really upset by that assumption. They don't think that some people (like me) find it easier to express themself in words rather than in person. You have more time to think about what you wanna say, and I also get self conscious and concerned with what people are gonna think of me. Sometimes I'm really outgoing, but lots of times I'm not. I've always been kinda shy (until people get to know me and I can relax), especially around cute girls and all lol. I'm only now just starting to REALLY come out of it, probably thanks to you sweetie. :)

If there's ever anything to be proud of in life, it's that you've been able to do that for someone...just by being you.


aww..thanks J...that means a lot. It's just that some people will never understand. I mean, I have just always had an easier time communicating with people through means of writing and/or talking on the phone. I can express myself better. There are times when I am really outgoing in person..but other times I am so shy that I literally say nothing...I am at a loss for words sometimes. It's so awkward to be looking at your feet or glancing up in the sky, when you feel like you are in that kind of situation...believe it or not..I've been there.

Everyone else is online and it seems that I prefer it that way... most of the time.  It's just easier because, as selfish as this may sound, it's all on my terms.  I only have to chat when I want to.  There's no phone ringing, no messages to return.  I hate talking on the phone. 


And... where's the downside?  Because I ain't seeing it either, bro. 

But I was asking YOU that question.
I will not know if it works or not.

I was talking to my mom today and I was like, "ya know..I don't really have any friends...except for my online friends"..and she was like, "well that's not good".

Do you think a lot of people just don't understand the phenomenon of having online friends and how serious some of the friendships can be...UNLESS they experience it themselves?

Do any of you get slack from a spouse/parent/friends/family for spending so much time online and having more of an online life than not?


Yeah, my mom, (who has never been on the internet and doesn't have a working computer at home) always tells me that she wish I had more friends offline.  I'm not really sure what she means though, I keep such odd hours, nobody I'd know would even wanna hang out if not online.
And it's not like the is anything really to do offline, I hang out with my hubby.  We go out to eat, or to the movies, or to the thrift stores, but we're not really bar people so if I did have offline friends (like I did before I got married) (and that is what we did, we'd go to bars), so what am I missing?  ;D

I wish she understood more, but it's not going to happen, so I've accepted that.

Yeah, my mom, (who has never been on the internet and doesn't have a working computer at home) always tells me that she wish I had more friends offline.  I'm not really sure what she means though, I keep such odd hours, nobody I'd know would even wanna hang out if not online.
And it's not like the is anything really to do offline, I hang out with my hubby.  We go out to eat, or to the movies, or to the thrift stores, but we're not really bar people so if I did have offline friends (like I did before I got married) (and that is what we did, we'd go to bars), so what am I missing?   ;D

I wish she understood more, but it's not going to happen, so I've accepted that.


Ya...I understand that. My mom isn't online too often, and when she is..she's like looking up recipes and stuff. LOL!.

I know what you mean about you and your husband doing things together. If I didn't have my family..I would really have no one in person.

I think online friends are the best friends that I've got. :)

I think online friends are the best friends that I've got. :)


You're a good man, Howard. I am sure there are a lot of people out there in the real life who want to be your best friend too.  8)

You're a good man, Howard. I am sure there are a lot of people out there in the real life who want to be your best friend too.  8)


But I now have only 2 friends in my REAL life. :(

But I now have only 2 friends in my REAL life. :(


You'll gain more as time goes on, Howard. With friendship, it's quality not quantity. Better to have 2 good friends than 30 'friends' who couldn't give a toss.

You'll gain more as time goes on, Howard. With friendship, it's quality not quantity. Better to have 2 good friends than 30 'friends' who couldn't give a toss.



Yes, I'm 48 and can honestly say that I only have 2 or 3 life-long good friends. Everyone else are really acqaintances....

Yes, I'm 48 and can honestly say that I only have 2 or 3 life-long good friends. Everyone else are really acqaintances....


It's not a bad thing. You become a slave to the 'popular front', you end up losing your soul and those acquaintances won't respect you for it afterwards anyway.

It's not a bad thing. You become a slave to the 'popular front', you end up losing your soul and those acquaintances won't respect you for it afterwards anyway.


Yes, I like the balance I have....... ;)  Not for everyone..but I don't feel the need to always have company (says the guy with wife and 4 kids)..

Yes, I like the balance I have....... ;)  Not for everyone..but I don't feel the need to always have company (says the guy with wife and 4 kids)..


I totally understand you because I feel the same way. I like my own space these days.

Besides, a wife and four kids are enough to keep you busy I'm sure. How old are your children?

I totally understand you because I feel the same way. I like my own space these days.

Besides, a wife and four kids are enough to keep you busy I'm sure. How old are your children?


Daughter aged 16, son aged 14, daughter aged 11, and daughter aged 9

You'll gain more as time goes on, Howard. With friendship, it's quality not quantity. Better to have 2 good friends than 30 'friends' who couldn't give a toss.


The 2 friends I have now are Robert whom I've know for 12 years and Randy whom I've known for 14 years but basically nobody calls my cell phone anymore like they used to. :(

sometimes it does, like when me & my family are going out and I'm online at inthe00s and then they're asking me if I'm ready, and I'll tell them, just 2 more minutes because I'm in the middle of a post. so it actually hinders their life as well  :-[

Sometimes for me,it does.

My room mate says that I spend more on line than anyone she knows.  I tell her there are more people out there like me than she realizes.

If I'm writing a parody online, it doesn't hinder, but if I'm in here yakking....it takes away from that.

Over the last few weeks I would think my real life has improved online.

Over the last few weeks I would think my real life has improved online.



I agree with you Phil,I hang out here more than outside of Decades.

I tell her there are more people out there like me than she realizes.


What...strange..yet beautiful?

Nope.  I'm online a lot less than I used to be.  It's never hindered me.  I'm less involved in online drama as I once was.

No,not really.

Now that other things can be done on the computer I find myself sending less replies now.

What...strange..yet beautiful?


Yes, we're called unapologetic individualist.

Karma for the compliment. :)

Yes, we're called unapologetic individualist.

Karma for the compliment. :)


What's that ? What's THAT ? ! ?  Did I hear the 'magic word' ?  http://forum.pc-freakz.com/style_emoticons/default/yikes.gif  Oh, by the way Kath .... just wanna say .... 'love your newest avatar'. Love the way you type (  ::)  )  .... love your posts in general. Not sure what's brought all this on  :-\\    :-X  http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forums/images/smilies/innocent.gif

Yes, we're called unapologetic individualist.

Karma for the compliment. :)


Well karma to you for karmaing my compliment!  ;)

Well karma to you for karmaing my compliment!  ;)


http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6995/32033539mo6.gif

By George ! She comes and goes, she comes and goes !  :D

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6995/32033539mo6.gif

By George ! She comes and goes, she comes and goes !  :D


THAT sounds like the perfect life.  ;)

Over the past few weeks online life has changed, to the better.

Over the past few weeks online life has changed, to the better.



Me Too.

Over the past few weeks online life has changed, to the better.



You have your own fan club ..... AND 'Super Geek' status !    :)    8)






Anything else ?    ???

You have your own fan club ..... AND 'Super Geek' status !    :)    8)






Anything else ?     ???



I don't think it gets much better than that! ;)

No,It hasn't.

...it's a little better recently. I have not been on here quite as much.....finding a balance that works not just for me but my family as well. Having said that it IS Saturday morning here ...and it IS raining....and my wife IS going out shopping. So......here I am for a longer stint..... ;)

We have missed you here.  :)  But I certainally can understand about finding a balance.  Sometimes I forget to do that myself and let things slide until it's a mad dash to get things done. 

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The server is currently under high stress. Please try again shortly. 

A stressful server hinders my life!

We have missed you here.   :)  But I certainally can understand about finding a balance.  Sometimes I forget to do that myself and let things slide until it's a mad dash to get things done. 


Thanks.....I would if I could....

An Error Has Occurred!
Sorry, you can't repeat a karma action without waiting 24 hours. 

...it's a little better recently. I have not been on here quite as much.....finding a balance that works not just for me but my family as well. Having said that it IS Saturday morning here ...and it IS raining....and my wife IS going out shopping. So......here I am for a longer stint..... ;)
It will be her turn for the computer when she arrives home.

Ya...I understand that. My mom isn't online too often, and when she is..she's like looking up recipes and stuff. LOL!.

I know what you mean about you and your husband doing things together. If I didn't have my family..I would really have no one in person.



so you'd be me then....

No It hasn't.

Actually, online life is better for me.

Actually, online life is better for me.



I would have to agree with you on that one.

Actually, online life is better for me.


I find it's much nicer than dealing with people in "real life" sometimes.

I find it's much nicer than dealing with people in "real life" sometimes.



Yes,So True.

I find it's much nicer than dealing with people in "real life" sometimes.


We're all a bunch of escapists ?    ???          ;D

I don't know what this says about me, but there are some online "characters" that I would not deal with in "real life".  But seeing that I can just turn off my computer and walk away and just calm down, I can deal with them in limited quantities.


I think it's hindered me in a way that it's too easy to get distracted, I should be back to work sorting stuff to take to the thrift store tomorrow, but I've been surfing the internet, playing games.  That's totally more fun then filling boxes of crap I've wasted my money on over the years.  ;D
If I didn't have the internet, I might actually get more stuff done.

We're all a bunch of escapists ?    ???          ;D


And . . . we're not ashamed of it. :)

I don't know what this says about me, but there are some online "characters" that I would not deal with in "real life".  But seeing that I can just turn off my computer and walk away and just calm down, I can deal with them in limited quantities.




???


Shall I ask ... shan't I ?    :-\\





:P


;D

???
Shall I ask ... shan't I ?    :-\\

:P

;D


While I won't deny you are certainly a character, you and I get along swimmingly 90% of the time, and only when I'm already annoyed (from other things) do I get annoyed to stressful levels from anything that happens on here.  :P

I don't know what this says about me, but there are some online "characters" that I would not deal with in "real life".  But seeing that I can just turn off my computer and walk away and just calm down, I can deal with them in limited quantities.


I think it's hindered me in a way that it's too easy to get distracted, I should be back to work sorting stuff to take to the thrift store tomorrow, but I've been surfing the internet, playing games.  That's totally more fun then filling boxes of crap I've wasted my money on over the years.   ;D
If I didn't have the internet, I might actually get more stuff done.

Hmm I think I'll ask the same question,could I be one of those "characters?

While I won't deny you are certainly a character, you and I get along swimmingly 90% of the time, and only when I'm already annoyed (from other things) do I get annoyed to stressful levels from anything that happens on here.  :P




I'll settle for '90%' . Well, nobody's PERFECT ...... not EVEN me (?)      :-\\    :P



Hmm I think I'll ask the same question,could I be one of those "characters?


^

Hello, what's this ! Have I opened a can of worms ?    ::)    :-X

I'm usually disinclined to seek 'feedback' .... cos I'm sure there's some who would seek to 'reform' me. At going on 54 .... if and when I'm gonna reform ... I think it will be my OWN decision (THIS is one of  the main reasons I have NOT /will NOT 'subscribe to a certain thread  :-X  ... apart from its name ! )  In the meantime, I seek to remain  ..... an INDIVIDUAL (and a UNIQUE one, at that  !      8)    :P    ;D

Yes,So True.
Oh so true!

I have more friends on here than in real life.

I have more friends on here than in real life.


Yes, me too.  I have no problem with it.

I have more friends on here than in real life.
My friends do not have computers, but with friends here, I have friends in both worlds.

Yes, me too.  I have no problem with it.



Me neither,I kind of like both.

What is this "real" life of which you speak?

Calm down!  It's all just ones and zeroes!

Wise Man Foo, I was just about to say, "What is this "life beyond online life" of which you speak?

It doesn't seem logical to me, captain...

http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/10/viking(1).gif

No,It hasn't.

Wise Man Foo, I was just about to say, "What is this "life beyond online life" of which you speak?

It doesn't seem logical to me, captain...

http://www.inthe00s.com/smile/10/viking(1).gif
If you find it do let me know.

I feel very comfortable online than offline.

I feel very comfortable online than offline.
This is a strange happening of the modern day, many other people he said this too.

This is a strange happening of the modern day, many other people he said this too.



Because you become more attached to the virtual world.

it would seem that online life has hindered my real life as I should be working right now instead of posting.

it would seem that online life has hindered my real life as I should be working right now instead of posting.
...isn't it that what you do at work anyway?

it would seem that online life has hindered my real life as I should be working right now instead of posting.



I don't have time to post,I'm too busy collecting carts.

I really don;t meet any people away from the computer because I work in a job where I work by myself. I have a couple of friends/acquaintances that I meet with like once every month at a restaraunt but aside from that I really don;t talk too anybody socially outside of online. I am the quiet type so I really don;t meet people easy. I live with my parents but I really don;t talk with them that much. I talk with my dad like a little bit.

it would seem that online life has hindered my real life as I should be working right now instead of posting.
I should be doing other things, but...

I should be doing other things, but...



you're here.

Actually, online life is better for me.




I would have to agree with you on that one.




I find it's much nicer than dealing with people in "real life" sometimes.



Yes,So True.





Check your balance Howard...you seem to be wobbling a little.  ;D

Check your balance Howard...you seem to be wobbling a little.   ;D




Why is that?

well you seem to agree that "online is better" but you also say that it's nicer dealing with people in "real life".... sounds like a wobble... they can't both be preferred.

sometimes online life occupies time that I should be spending in the "real world" but that's how it goes  ::)

sometimes online life occupies time that I should be spending in the "real world" but that's how it goes  ::)



What do you mean sometimes???  and, um, what's this real world you talk about? I'm not familiar with the concept  ;)

well you seem to agree that "online is better" but you also say that it's nicer dealing with people in "real life".... sounds like a wobble... they can't both be preferred.





Maybe I'm just confused.

Maybe I'm just confused.


:-X

:-X




Are you confused more than I am? ???

Are you confused more than I am? ???




I am now  ;)

I am now  ;)





So I'll say no more.

Are you confused more than I am? ???
It can get confusing at times.

It can get confusing at times.


especially when someone changes subjects.

especially when someone changes subjects.
Or you forget which thread should be which.

Or you forget which thread should be which.


If you forget, just post in LTE.  :D  We like the randomness!

I feel like talking on here is like therapy for me.  :)

I feel like talking on here is like therapy for me.  :)
Messageboards can help a great deal.

Messageboards can help a great deal.


I feel so good to have people on here who care. :)