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M.E. Proctor's avatar

I'm a terrible introvert, which means I don't make friends easily (the ones I have, I've had for a long time.) Isolation during the pandemic did a number on me. I needed contacts, and wanted to do something useful at the same time, so I registered for a couple of online writing classes. I liked the interaction and bonded with a few fellow writers, and we decided to form a little review group, meet via zoom once a month, etc. One of the requirements was that we would stay in touch via social media (something I'd been very wary of for a long time!). Anyway, the group survived for 18 months, but social media proved priceless. I now share with a group of writers, we read each other's work (not in group but one on one), and I made a few good friends, we FaceTime, talk on the phone... we're all over the world, but in person meeting is in the cards. So, yes, I made new friends and we have a ton in common. Who would have thought....

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Exactly the topic I have been thinking about these days! This line gives me hope, Lyle: "...But lately, I’ve been spending way less time on social media and have made a concerted effort to reconnect and keep up with old friends." I dearly hope more and more people will realize how much time they spend on social media and come to their senses... Great essay on this Saturday morning! Thank you.

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