to feel confused by the level of affection one feels for nicknames on a screen?

[ClockWatchingLady]

I'm a bit late to the party, having only just discovered MN (never been on other "chat" type sites either). It really feels like people care about each other here, and (like countless others, it seems) I continually find myself "checking" on people on certain threads, and thinking about some posters' welfare very regularly.

I can't formulate my question exactly, but isn't it a bit weird that none of us really knows each other? Or do we? What does it all mean?! People who have been on MN a long time: do you feel that you have real "friendships" here?

lougle Glad to hear that about Riven. I thought she was probably still around, but it's nice to know.

I've got a few favourite MNetters but the fuckers keep name changing

When I started using MN, I was always frequently up late at night, so got to "know" a smallish group of MNers who were also always frequently up late at night - we called ourselves the Twilight Zoners then, before all that bloody Jedward shizzle started up and ruined it for us. Since then, I've had a fondness for the MNers in that group, including some who've now pretty much left MN but I'm FB friends with.

I liken it to having a penpal - if you talk/write to someone often/regularly enough, you get to "know" them in part - you might find out a fair bit about them, and so really they are a sort of friend.

And anyway, they all kept me sane when I moved to Australia - it was lovely having the continuity of people to talk to daily, without worrying about cost of calls etc.

There are other names I recognise - but it's the others in the "quiches" I was/am in that I really care about. I have even met up with some of them in RL and still like them!

Awww...YANBU. Confusing indeed. I luffs all of you...including MNetters I frequently disagree with. I even have a fondness and appreciation for the more intelligent trolls.

Hey, Hearts, sorry I missed your comment last night "Same Q for you Fru, next meet up? I'm slightly addicted to them I think."

Yes, looking forward to the next Meet Up. I had to drop out - at the last minute - from the one at the end of June. Although I hear rumours there might be another in September some time?

(TBH, the lunch time ones are easier for me!)

I feel all warm and fuzzy, and, unlike last night it's not the wine.

I have a bit of a girl crush on all of you at this precise moment.

My commas are in the wrong place up there

It's the love. You're comma-ing all over the place.

:)

And I love my quichey pals, but also have such a fondness for MN in general that I'd do a little squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee at meeting any of you :o

I am yet to meet a MNetter

And next time you make it back to the UK Thumbwitch I will pull a sickie and actually get to meet you.

If you were nearer I would come round and pick you up and we would go to Poundland, and have lunch at Greggs.

That was to SPs.

That sounds fab Sparkling

In my shopping centre there is about 2 shops separating poundland and Greggs!

SPs. You are very spoilt.

Nirvana

I feel the same x

Late to the thread

There is also a Heron Foods, Home Bargins, Wilkinson's and a Iceland. All under one roof!

Imagine the fun you could have there!

I've met loads of MNers (nearly met you SPs) and they've all been lovely. I love the meet ups - need another!

Did you Frances?

What is a Heron Foods?

Yes, I am StealthPolar Bear

if you say "who?" I will cry

insects and fish presumably

Wondered what you had NC to, Stealth.

Heron Foods is like a Home Bargins come Iceland mix.

Stealth who?

why the name change?