Online Relationships, Without Neglecting the Physical

I don't think there was a time when physical relationships were considered unnecessary for me. Say because I had established some online relationships and enjoyed that. Or maybe because I saw no need for physical relationships in general, for one reason or another. In most cases where people might disregard physical relationships, it's because they found comfort and solace in the relationships they must have garnered and developed online.

First of all, I'll have to reiterate the importance of relationships and associations; good ones. I've always been a fan of valuing good relationships, whether friendship or other forms of it. I guess the discussion here will revolve around the friendship aspect of relationships. The need to value the good relationships we have or will have because life itself is not a race we can run all by ourselves. We need the help and support of others in life, as they need ours too.

As social beings that we're by nature, there's an inherent need for others. Some of the successes and gains we've achieved in life are heavily linked to the relationships we've built. Joining Hive itself was due to some relationships for many of the users here. At least from most of the introductory posts that I've read. The good thing is, human relationships can span different media, from physical to online, which is the subject of discussion in this post.

The digital world has made it possible to meet new people through online platforms and media, get acquainted with them and even become friends. Not to go far, Hive has been a testament to that. Many found new people here and became friends, a relationship that still exists for them. What's more fascinating is that the online medium allows people to connect and become friends with others from different and distant parts of the world.

Many people are comfortable with the online space and find it easy or easier to express themselves there, making online relationships more suitable for them. Well, we can say it's something good as they have relationships that they're comfortable with and enjoy. Nonetheless, there's a place for physical relationships, and that's why my earlier statement talked about never at any time considering physical relationships unnecessary.

I've built relationships both physically and online and have seen the good and benefits of both. Having online relationships is nice, but having physical relationships remains important. I mean, we're beings in a physical world and no matter how we try to be digital there's a limit to that world. There are times when the physical presence and support of friends is what one might need. Other times, that online friend that one has never met might suffice.

It's also undeniable that some online friends have been more of a friend than the physical ones. The physical accessibility and connection should make the difference through a stronger bond. But it's not always like that. Having both kinds of relationships isn't a bad idea. If it's possible to have friends both online and physical, why not? Yes, online relationships exist today and are even wonderful. Nevertheless, that doesn't make physical relationships unnecessary.

Image is AI generated.

Thank you for reading!