Friendships Without Borders

Yesterday was the first time I have ever met

one of my blogging friends. 

Whilst living in Spain it was difficult, but
now that I was back in the heart of London
there was no reason to decline
a girlie invite.

However,I was SO nervous for

so many reasons, but particularly because neither

of us knew what the other even looked like, or how we

truly were.

Suddenly I was a blank canvas and so was she.

I had no personal history to hide behind.

Hubs made me more nervous when he asked in utter confusion
10 minutes before meeting my friend,

"but how can you have a friend you've never met?"

So as I waited for the lovely Simone from (blog), I just didn't know what to expect.

I only knew she wrote a fabulous blog that I have
been following for a few years now, and that I
could only aspire to writing the way she did.

I only knew that when I was having
a family trauma in London (whilst living in Spain), 
she reached out to me and gave me 
sincere and objective
advice.

I only knew that she "got me"

Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder, heard my name and the

next thing there were hugs all round as we stood 

in the middle of London.

We were off!!!!

It was so wonderfully refreshing. Because there was no

real personal history we were both so excited to find out more

about each other. We chatted for hours and the conversations

were so authentic and organic

We both chatted, listened  encouraged and

cheered from the sidelines as we discussed

our plans for next year.

There were no hidden agenda's. 

No one person monopolised the conversations.
(I'm sure you've been there;-)

We were both as equally interested in each other

We just

spoke as we 

found and that was so refreshing.

We both felt at  the end of

the day together as if  we had known each for ages.

And so my first blogging friendship was cemented.

I can only best describe it as going on a platonic blind-date

(altho' Ive never been on one!) .

It also made me realise that in this new age of technology

there really are so many ways to make new friends (that those 

who are not on social platforms, or who don't read blogs 

cannot understand-Husbands included ;-)

Is there any reason to be
lonely or friendless anymore?

So thank you Simone for making me leave

my comfort zone yesterday  and 
for such an enjoyable day

So what are thoughts on blogging friendships?

Can they ever be real and authentic?

Do you prefer NOT to meet up with

people you have met via your blog/online?

Have you had successful or disastrous

meet-ups?

Would love to hear all your insightful views 

as always

xx