[**Xena**]

I find I treat EB as a big friendship circle. I feel like I know everyone though in reality I have met about 3 people I also care about many members on here though I have never met them and worry about them IRL. I probably overshare but it doesn't feel that way as I feel like I know everyone (even though that's not possible)

Does anyone else feel that way ?

[MrsDamonSalvator...]

i do a bit and i havent even been here for 12 months! i quite often share with eb the things i would share with friends - if i had any

there are a few posters that i quite enjoy reading about what they ar eup to etc.

eb makes me feel not so lonely

[JustBeige]

Yes, I realised the other day that I do.

I also have some people on another forum that I have never met that I consider really good friends.

DH told me not long ago that I was weird, but as I said to him, what is the difference between that and the pen pal that his mum has had for 60years.? He didnt really have an answer for that.

I think its only a problem when its ALL consuming and it restricts you interacting with people irl.

[Bacongirl]

I do!

Like poor Bean. I just wanted to rush over and give her a hug when she posted that her FIL had died. Then I realised that although I know she lives close, I've never met her!

I find EB to be a fairly good representation of real life people. Those I like, those that I don't. But on EB I can get to know the ones I don't like by 'stalking' posts and often I realise that maybe I do like them. Whereas IRL, I probably wouldn't bother.

[follies]

It's hard not to over share. Sometimes I will write an entire post, reread it and I'm like: "Nope! Delete! Delete! Delete!

[Azadel]

I do. I see updated sigs and think "wow, your kids are getting so grown up" even though I've never ready interacted with the member in question. And I also have to stop myself oversharing...

[Chchgirl]

Yes!

[Rachaelxxx]

I'm more concerned when I'm asking advice on something in relation to someone else in my circles and that I'm going to be recognised. EB has a lot of members and I would be pretty silly to assume that there wouldn't be people here that would know who I am from just being Rachael with 5 little princesses.

Sometimes I post things, for example about my work possibly asking me to do extra hours and the situation for this is pretty sad for the person who has just had her hours reduced and it did occur to me, what if she is a member on this board and read it.

I love EB for the help and advice I get and I love feeling like I can return that help and advice to others, not so much to make friendships if that makes sense.

[squeekums]

I realised i do. Some posts stay with me and wonder how they person getting on, if they ok or wanting to jump through the screen cos someone is having a crap time and give them a hug.

Also I'm more open here than irl.
My shyness dosent cripple me here oddly enough.

Another who loves your cosplay teachings. Wish i had the guts to do it. Looks like so much fun!

[JuniorSpies]

I'm a member of another forum and I'm always saying 'my friend did x'. My husband has to ask me if they're my 'real friends' or my 'computer friends'. There isn't a great deal of difference. Once youve been speaking to someone for 6 years and you know their family secrets and feelings toward oregano it's a friendship.