This week we’re talking about Rachel Hauck’s book, The Wedding Dress, and how in the book a dress is a connection point for four women over time. How are our connections formed?
Of course I’ve heard the debates about whether or not social media forms true connections, whether the internet is making us more connected or merely deceiving us into thinking so. I’ve wondered myself and yet, as I thought of the answer to today’s question, it was my online friendships that came to mind.
There are those who have become real friends that I’ve gotten to know in 140 character intervals thanks to Twitter.
The bloggers who have shared life via their daily or weekly missives, teaching me and encouraging me.
The folks on Facebook who have come back into my life thanks to the miracle of this form of technology. I’ve found my long-lost college suitemate from my freshman year and my high school best friend. Thanks to status updates and posted pictures, I know more about my old friends than I ever did before!
I thought of my friend Kim, who I met when she posted her profile on an internet site for writers. I was a new novelist and I saw that she was a novelist who lived in my town. I reached out to her and three years later, we’re planning a weekend writing retreat in just a few weeks.
I thought of my friend Erika, who I followed on Twitter, only to discover she lived near me as well. I direct messaged her, we arranged a meeting and now I count her as one of my dear “IRL” (in real life) friends.
I thought of one of my blog readers, who sent me an e-card today “just because.” It brightened my day and made me realize that we really do feel linked to people we have never met… and may never meet this side of heaven.
Of course, my thoughts led me right back to Southern Belle View and the camaraderie that exists between us Belles and you guys, the ones who visit us each week to see what we’re discussing on the porch. Whether you’re an old friend or a new one, we welcome you here just as we would an actual porch. While virtual sweet tea might not taste as good as the real stuff, the intent behind our hospitality is the same. We want to connect with you and each other by pulling up a rocker and discussing what’s on our hearts. We’re glad you join us and count you among our valuable connections!
Marybeth Whalen is the author of The Guest Book, a coastal Carolina love story that revolves around a guest book in a beach house that unites two people over time. She is the wife of Curt and mom of six children, ranging in age from 20 to 7. She blogs at www.marybethwhalen.com and runs She Reads, a site devoted to spotlighting the best in women’s fiction: www.shereads.org