Of life, online and offline…

I’ve had an online presence for nine years now. Starting with a very public blog in 2006, I’ve come a long way. I’ve published under my own name, then chosen to go anonymous. Each of these has been a learning experience.

I’ve been on Twitter for over six years now. Both on my blog, and on Twitter, I’ve had interesting discussions, gained valuable insights and met wonderful people. I’ve been criticised, trolled, threatened with murder and rape. But I’ve also been encouraged and supported by people who barely know me but stand by my right to have an opinion. For that, I’m grateful.

I’m not a very social person. I like to think of myself as a selective extrovert. I have many friends but few close ones. I’m circumspect about what I say and careful about who I allow into my life. But, once or twice, strangers have broken that barrier. They’ve stormed their way into my life and made me question it.

In all these years, I’ve met just two of these online friends in real life. It’s been the right choice to make. I won’t ever regret meeting them and allowing them into an otherwise private life. They’ve taught me valuable lessons. They’ve taught me that you can make great friends, irrespective of age and distance. They taught me see life differently. For that I’m grateful.

As I continue this journey, I can only hope that many more such people come into my life. After all, isn’t that what life’s all about?