Many of my lifelong friends and associates have verbalized, “I’m afraid of Facebook. I’ll be giving out too much information.” Another quote bandied about is, “There are high school friends I don’t want to find me,” or “I’ve gained weight (or wrinkles, or am bald)! or “I’m afraid of being stalked.”
Apart from choosing to live life with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn the privacy rules of Facebook, neither of which will be addressed in this article, check out the story that follows with an open mind. It might just alter your perspective on joining the 5,000,000-strong, worldwide party of Facebook friends.
Here’s a brief, bird’s eye description of the cast of characters:
She: Has been single for twenty years, smiles often (with plenty of laugh lines, aka wrinkles), and suffers an occasional chin hair that stubbornly presents itself. Horrors! She has multiple sclerosis, often walks with either a cane or walker, and needs to eat pretty frequently. She is playful , optimistic and enjoys living life to the fullest. She graduated from a small high school in the Midwest in 1966. It’s up to you to do the math on that one:)
He: Has been single for four years, is balding, a little overweight, and from past experiences, gun shy with women. He wishes the hair on his head would trade places with the growth on his thick, gray beard. He occasionally gripes about the attendant aches and pains of “age”. His quick-witted sense of humor is unparalleled. He graduated from the same small high school in the Midwest in 1965.
They both joined Facebook two years ago.
Facebook “suggested” them as friends, for having graduated from the same high school. The facts are not clear as to who friended whom first.
Voila! Here’s their story —
On or about April 1, 2010, she posted a comment in her newsfeed: “A true friend doesn’t care if you’re broke, what you weigh, if your house is a mess, about your past, or if your family is filled with crazies. They love you for who you are. A true friend can go long periods of time without speaking to you and never question the friendship …”
He remembered her as the daughter of his first boss.
He responded with: “You must have received some interesting feedback on your post re Love and the ache we humans have for an honest commitment of concern, thoughtfulness, passion, and love. Does it really exist? … Thanks for creating the thought and the questions.”
While reading his message, she thought: “Hmmm. I remember this fun-loving, handsome dude. Amazing that he still remembers me. She drafted, then re-drafted a direct message (“DM”) to him with a slight grin on her face …
Their conversations escalated on Facebook DM, email and eventually Skype.
Last fall, after a much-anticipated greeting, she met him at the airport for a heartwarming face-to-face reunion. It was one of those “Do you remember your first kiss” moments!
The film is still rolling with many editors in the wings. But the initial credit goes to Facebook for affording the opportunity for him and her, from a distance of 854.5 miles, to reach across the airwaves and connect.
Please pass this on to your Facebook-resistant friends. Assure them that the benefits of reaching out to family and friends via this Internet tool far outweigh the negative scenarios. Who knows? If they’re single, they might even find their soul mate?!
Let the song in your heart burst forth!
January 27th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Aloha Darlene, this is such a sweet valentine story, I am reading here. I am touched by the humor and personalized realization of how the internet can effect others. Believe me it runs through most of our minds whose looking and checking on us. But I came to the realization of things, if you don’t participate on the internet, guess who else will put it on there, others. Glad I came by and thanks for sharing. Lanikee.com
PS.. I saw this on fb, so here I am.
Lani Kee – Mind Mapping Techniques´s last [type] ..Implementing Facebook Comment Plugin to WordPress
January 28th, 2011 at 8:19 am
Lani,
Life is so enriched by meeting fascinating people—like you! I can’t imagine NOT being a part of this loving, caring and always evolving Facebook party.
You offer a lot of valuable information. I’m looking forward to getting to know you:)
January 27th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Cousin, I love it!
January 28th, 2011 at 8:20 am
Sue,
You always inspire me!
January 27th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Darlene,
I adore you! Maybe not as much as Mr. X, but still just the same, you’re awesome!
Yes, we sometimes have to think twice about exactly how much information we put out there for the world to see. Especially those of us who have friended many people that we have never met personally. As with anything, common sense should always be the rule.
Your story is full of fun, promise, and the lighthearted side of life. I love that you’ve found a way to connect with someone special and bring an otherwise unlikely relationship into your life. Thanks for sharing, and I trust that this could be the beginning of something amazing for you!
Love,
Kathy J
Kathy Jodrey´s last [type] ..How To Overcome Fear- Doubt and Insecurity
January 28th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Kathy,
You are such a love!
Maybe I look at life to naively, but I think that what you put out there comes back to you ten fold. Connecting with so many amazingly gifted friends is like Christmas every day:)
January 28th, 2011 at 7:27 am
Darlene~
This is a beautiful love story!!!!! You are a wonderful author!!! I smiled all the way through this post! Well done!
As I was reading, in the back of my mind I was thinking of all the people I’ve either met or been reunited with on Facebook. I’m regularly saying, “Everybody who’s anybody is on Facebook.” to which my fearful friends say, “I guess I’m a nobody then.” This post is a wonderful story to send them! Thank you,
Linda
Linda G. Cox@ Multiple Sclerosis´s last [type] ..Ampyra Update January 27- 2011
January 28th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Linda,
Please share this story with your fearful-of-Facebook friends. If it encourages even ONE of them to join, it will be well worth the effort!
February 3rd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Darlene,
I haven’t shared this post with any of my friends yet because I’m not home, I’m visitng my mom in Corpus Christi! She had an appointment so now I have some time to sneak online! My mom is a reader and she’ll get a kick out of your story so I’ll share it with her!!
Linda
Linda G. Cox´s last [type] ..Where Are Your Limitations Involving Friendships
February 3rd, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Linda,
Give your mom a hug from me and tell her she has a terrific daughter:) Yes, please do share the story with your mom. Have a wonderful time with her, too!
January 28th, 2011 at 9:15 am
Hello Darlene,
This is truly a phobia with some people and how they are fearful of posting too much information on a social media site. It is scary how some people have been stalked and have had bad things happen when someone hacks into their facebook page. I know it happened to my niece. Fortunately she redid her page and security settings.Facebook is a great social media source and I enjoyed reading this post today.
Dawn Martin Tulini (facebook)´s last [type] ..Approaching Those in Business
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Dawn,
Sorry to hear that your cousin had her Facebook page hacked. She did the right thing by redoing her page and privacy settings. There are those inexplicable happenings in life that create bumps in the road. The key is to not let them stop you!
January 28th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Darlene… Although I have heard this story before, I never tire of hearing it and you have written it beautifully with your usual cheeky sense of humour. I can’t wait for the next chapter of this story.
If this doesn’t convince the facebook doubters, nothing will. Thank you for sharing.
Louise
Louise Steiner´s last [type] ..Online Marketing – Web Page Copywriting In 5 Simple Steps – Part 1
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Well, Louise, if it convinces just one person it will be worth it!
January 28th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
What a gift Dar … I love the way you have written this beautiful and inspiring story of connection.
My favourite saying of yours is “I love my computer, cause all my friends are in it” … so the addon is “and my soul mate came to me from within it too”.
Mwah x
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Jodie,
Grin:) The addon is perfect. What a joy that a story is never finished!
January 28th, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Darlene like Louise I have heard the story before but I still loved reading it. I love how you have written it as it makes me feel like I am watching a movie. Never underestimate your skill here Darlene. You are a story teller.
I also hope that it inspires some of the people out there who are afraid to step into the facebook world.
Sue
Sue Price´s last [type] ..Disaster Strikes – Flood Crisis
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Sue,
Glad the “movie” part came through the story lines. There are many times when article writing is challenging. I attempt to focus on the reader, and not myself.
January 28th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Hi Darlene
I love hearing positive stories about the online world, and yours is no exception! I’m looking forward to hearing the next chapter of this one!
I have many friends who are on Facebook, and plenty who aren’t. Those who aren’t, are “scared” of it and also see it as a complete waste of time.
Granted, Facebook can be a bit of a “time-waster” but only if you let it.
Just because some people post about what they’re doing minute by minute, doesn’t mean that you have to read it.
Plus, I’m a firm believer in “each to their own”. What interests me won’t necessarily interest the next person.
Mind you, there’s nothing wrong with having some down time and doing some extra socialising!
As far as being scared or wary of it goes, I believe that comes down to being sensible about what you post.
I was introduced to Facebook by a sister-in-law and to be honest, I didn’t feel comfortable being on it at that point in time. I left it for a good 12 months or more before joining, then wished I’d joined earlier!
Like you, Darlene, I love my computer because (many of) my friends are in it!
~ Kylie ~
Kylie Doak´s last [type] ..Do You Believe in Angels
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Kylie,
It’s hard to believe that you hesitated to join Facebook. You are the BEST at clearly communicating your thoughts on paper. You inspire me to always strive for a higher standard of writing.
January 28th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Hey Dar,
I had a smile on my face and goose bumps through out your post, what a sweet love story that is.
I’m sure it will inspire those that are sitting on the sidelines, afraid to step into technology, to take the plunge into the Facebook world.
They can then enjoy watching their horizon’s broaden dramatically.
In Health and Harmony
Toni
Toni King´s last [type] ..Himalayan Crystal Salt
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Isn’t it fun to see your horizons stretched, Toni? It feels like we’ve been friends for a lifetime!
January 29th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Oh, Darlene,
What a lovely story and I just adore happy endings, especially ones that are true!
I don’t have a story about falling in love, but I do have a story about meeting people that I now LOVE, truly! You KNOW that you are in that group, Darlene.
Soooo, my conclusion is basically the same. The love and friendship that I have experienced here on FB has been sooo worth anything I have given up or revealed.
Lots of Love!
Mentor Mama
http://www.ishouldhavelistenedtomymother.com
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Nancy, You’re a treasure! Can’t even remember what life was like before FB. Can you?
January 29th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Dar, my dear friend! Your story has me smiling from ear to ear (and loving the wrinkles it causes)! What a sweet story… our auric energy never forgets a positive connection, does it! You write with such clarity, humor and playfulness – I would love to read a book you write
– Sending you lots of cwazy west coast, rainy luvin! Loren
Loren Greig´s last [type] ..Work From Home At Your Own Online Business
January 29th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
What a sweet story! Being relatively new to your blog, this is the first time I’ve heard it. But I too have been blessed to reconnect with so many from long ago… family as well as friends! It’s wonderful to reconnect with cousins and friends I haven’t seen since high school… 40 years ago!
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling´s last [type] ..I Never Believed Him – Before
January 31st, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Darlene
You have done it again another great post that touches the heart strings. I am so happy for you and thank you facebook. Love the extra bit that Jodie put in “and my soul mate came to me from within it too”. Has made my day.
Belinda
belinda cunningham´s last [type] ..Bach Flowers for Over-sensitivity to Influences and Ideas
February 1st, 2011 at 7:07 am
Hi Darlene,
What an inspiring story. Facebook is an amazing way to find people from years gone by. I just recently connected with 2 old college roommates and the wives of two other college roommates. Apparently the 2 other guys are holdouts but none the less it was great to connect with the wives.
Re Connecting with them has added them back into my life. Before Facebook I would wonder sometimes…I wonder how So and So is doing? Now I know. I would encourage anyone that is skeptical about this thing called Facebook to get over it and jump on in. You never know what you’ll find.
Don Enck´s last [type] ..Does This Fitness Mistake Slow You Down
February 3rd, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Isn’t that the beauty of Facebook, Don. I totally agree: “You never know what you’ll find!”
February 3rd, 2011 at 11:05 am
Hi Darlene –
What an awesome story, thank you for sharing it with us! I haven’t experienced anything nearly so romantic but I do appreciate the fact that Facebook has brought several ‘lost’ friends and family members back into my life and made it so simple to keep in touch. At the end of the day Facebook is not scary, it’s just a tool that we can and should use wisely. Thanks again for giving us singletons hope! Allegra
Allegra Sinclair´s last [type] ..Strategies for Coping With Difficult Co-Workers
February 3rd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Allegra,
Your warmth and personality shine through your words, Allegra. I can tell that there are great things in store for you!
February 4th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Dar,
So happy to hear the story behind the story and hope that you both have a wonderful time getting to know each other and share intimacies! Facebook is a tool, and like all tools, it can be used to serve or we can be afraid of it. So glad you took the plunge and are gaining the rewards.
Wish you the best,
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck´s last [type] ..3 Tools To Reignite Your Relationship By Valentine’s Day
February 4th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Adam,
If I get in trouble in this relationship, I know who to turn to! You’ve given savvy advice that I’ve taken to heart at many turns already. You’ve helped a lot in making the rewards possible. Thank you for that special gift!
February 7th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Hello Darlene,
You wrote a great Valentine’s Day story, I really enjoyed reading it and I hope you will write more stories like this too. I will pass this story on Facebook for sure! Thank you very much for making me smile through this excellent story ! Keep up the good work and don’t stop writing, please !
Best regards,
Maria
Maria Pavel´s last [type] ..Red Cross CNA Training
February 12th, 2011 at 7:39 am
Hi Darlene,
A positive outlook led to a positive experience for these two … while fear would have prevented them from reaching out to rekindle friendship. A good example of why we should not be afraid to explore the unknown. You just never know what exciting adventure could be just around the corner.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful story,
Susan
Susan Redmon´s last [type] ..How to Quickly and Easily Add a Privacy Policy Page to Your WP Blog
February 17th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Hi Darlene,
LOVE it, love it, love it! This is such a great story and one that I will definitely share, not just for FB for the love story within. You simply must let us know how this story unfolds from time to time. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Linnea´s last [type] ..Blog Mastery Award
February 17th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Thanks, Linnea. We live in such an exciting time—connecting with people from all over the world. Yes, I will keep you posted as events unfold
February 19th, 2011 at 9:20 am
Hi Darlene ~ What a great story about one of the many wonderful (and positive) ways to utilize social media and especially Facebook!
Christine
Christine Casey´s last [type] ..Failure is not an option
February 19th, 2011 at 11:04 am
Thanks, Christine. Anyone we can bring on board to Facebook makes our connections that much stronger!
March 15th, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Hi Darlene,
great to hear a story like that.
Thank you so much for sharing it.
You never know where and how things happen that could turn life out for the better.
We do have the choice of what we want to share and where.
If someone doesn’t like me because of my wrinkles, so what, I haven’t missed out on anything.
Great post!
Love and Joy
from
Yorinda
Yorinda´s last [type] ..Imagination Visualization Dreams
April 8th, 2011 at 5:59 am
Darlene
I love the story. I love Facebook because I have connected with old friends and cousins I had lost tract of. One of these was my 1st grade girl friend. She didn’t think I would remember her. We plan on seeing each other this summer.
Have a Great Day
April 11th, 2011 at 11:18 am
Fantastic news, Chester! Please let me know how your re-connecting experience moves forward. We live in an exciting time!
May 19th, 2011 at 6:28 am
This is a very nice story. I wish I could be able to experience that kind of romantic experience. I also shared this story so that my friends could be able to read this.
Margaret´s last [type] ..8 Hair Loss Tips
February 1st, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Hi Darlene,
I love your story! You did a great job of focusing on the positive side of the social media experience. So many people have heard enough negative stuff that they are very wary and don’t know where to start. Your story should encourage people who want to socialize online to learn more about how to do it safely, securely, and with greater responsibility.
March 29th, 2011 at 12:34 am
This is so touching. I am a big fan of Facebook. At first I didn’t know how to navigate the pages of Facebook. Once I got it, I didn’t know it is a gold mine. Until recently I made Facebook my social media main thing. It is weird. I born in 1983, but still, something supposing to be so simple, almost slip by me. And I am not even a tech advert. LOL
February 3rd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Roland,
You’re a true inspiration, my engineer friend. It is all in the mindset, right?
March 29th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Looks like you’ve really embraced Facebook, Vivian. It is such a terrific place to meet wonderful people