Other Information: Ahhh the Internet…Ain’t it GREAT!
Who would have thought 10 years ago that the Internet would come so far? What a great way to communicate. It started out with the BBS (Bulletin Board Service) and has exploded to millions of URLs, email programs and chat programs where one can actually see the person they are chatting with. AWESOME right?

WRONG!

The chat world has created a monster. One called fantasy and some people don’t know how to distinguish between reality and fantasy. And in the process, lives are destroyed because of it. We are all in chat searching for something. It could just be for conversation, an inexpensive means of keeping in touch with family, being with people who share a similar interests, showing the side of you that doesn’t show up in real life because you are shy or introverted, looking for a friend, and even looking for a lover. All these reasons are fantastic but here is where the fine line between fantasy and reality comes into play. TRUTH!

Time and again we see people type or hear them say in voice, I’m an honest person”. I think we all believe we are honest but are we? In some instances no we aren’t. To keep from hurting someone’s feelings we lie. Does that still make us honest, because we didn’t want to hurt someone? No it doesn’t. I’m not saying that one should deliberately insult someone in their quest for honesty, but don’t tell someone they are handsome or pretty when you see a picture of them if they really aren’t, or don’t tell someone they are intelligent because they used a three-syllable word, or don’t tell someone you like them when in truth you find them boring or obnoxious, or don’t tell someone they sing well when they can’t carry a tune, or don’t tell someone you love them when all you feel is friendship.

Oops! I just saw a few pagers close LOL
These are the people who can’t handle reality. Let’s see how many others I can get to close their pager.

What’s wrong with telling someone “You’re right you aren’t handsome or pretty, but you know that your body is just a container for who you really are, and that is where the beauty lies.” Or what’s wrong with telling someone “Good song, but maybe country isn’t what you should be singing”. Why have people believe they are pretty or handsome or good singer or smart and then have someone who believes themself totally honest or someone who is just out to hurt someone tell them the truth. That’s devastating. If you believe yourself a friend be kind enough to let them know in a nice way that there may be room for improvement. After all no one of us are perfect and advice from a friend is much easier to accept than the cruelty of others.

There went a few more pagers.
More who want to stay in the fantasy world.

Now for the people looking and claiming to have found love on the net. How does one fall in love with someone they have never physically met? Impossible! How does one fall in love with either typed or voiced “I love you” or “I love your kisses” or “I love how you touch me” or “You’re the best lover”. Get real. No one’s touched you but yourself. That’s imagination, that’s fantasy. And really there is nothing wrong with imagination or fantasies for that matter, as long as you remember that imagination and fantasies do not replace the reality of the person. The Internet is the ideal place to hide one’s imperfections, whether or not it is done intentionally.

A public chat lobby is not the place to air your dirty laundry. If someone did you wrong, do one of two things. Either ignore them or chat with them in private (in a room or private messages). Why play on others sympathies? It’s so pathetic! Do you think so little of yourself that you would stoop to that level? A public lobby should be a friendly place where people can gather and enjoy lighthearted chat. The more serious chats should be taken to a room.

Face it, I think I can safely say without proof that most people who are on the internet want to project their best side. That’s the nature of the Internet and really what is wrong with that. Not a thing as long as one keeps in mind that when two or more people from the internet meet, the not so best side may and will most probably show up resulting in clash of personalities or a parting of ways or a breakup of a cyber romance. And in many cases resentment and anger.

People look around you. Look at the world around you and ask yourself if you have liked or loved or fallen in love with every single person you have met in your life and how you dealt with it. And you didn’t die because of it. Life goes on. If someone has in a kind way told you of an imperfection, thank him or her and improve if you so choose too. If someone is malicious or cruel, then pity him or her for their ignorance. If someone has lied to you and you find out about it nurse your pain and get on with life. Don’t wallow in self-pity, air your dirty laundry or thrive on the pity of people who have no clue who you are. That is so pathetic. Face reality our lives are full of disappointments and pain along with many wonderful times. Sift through the good times and go on with your life.

If you choose to build a wall around yourself to protect your heart, so be it, DO IT! But don’t spread your bitterness in public chat. You end up making a mockery of yourself. If you’re good at something and you know it, show that side of you. If you see room for improvement do something about it. Makes you a stronger and more likeable person.

For those of you who have stuck through this sermon, I thank you. My intention really was not to preach. But I’ve seen bitterness, anger, sadness and pain on these chat programs. I’ve also seen happiness, friendship, and a few occasions where a love relationship has developed because of an introduction through a chat program.

Be honest with yourself. If you can’t be honest with yourself how can you be honest with someone else? Realize your failures and strive to better yourself if you so choose. In doing so you are more aware of someone else’s success. And take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself who you are and if you are the type of person you would want to be friends with. You hold the key to a successful chat program.

I am here strictly for enjoyment. I have a wonderful life off of the Internet. I’m not here to hurt anyone, but when push comes to shove, I can fight with the best of you by outwitting you. Care to try? :-) Enjoy the chat programs for what they are. Don’t try to make it more than it really is. And please keep in mind that a little “diplomacy” goes a long way.