Post by @Bel_tamtu@meemu.org

2026-04-25 14:48 UTC

@grim_elsewhere I find the process essentially the same online or in person. I chat with people. We may start chatting over a shared interest, maybe that's how we met. We continue to chat one on one and also see each other interacting in the online space(s) where we met or follow each other (much like hanging out one on one with a person and with a group of friends). Over time we get to know each other. I can have a difficult time remembering to reach out, asking about them, and opening up to talk about more personal things, either online or in person. But it helps to do regular activities together. I have a movie night with some online friends, and others I play video games with, where we hang out doing something and we chat about other things too. Right now I'm making new friends through a fandom interest. I joined some Discord servers. We watch shows, play games, chat about stuff, help motivate each other, and enjoy our shared fandom interest together.

Replies (2)

@Bel_tamtu@meemu.org 2026-04-25 14:52

@grim_elsewhere It's a little difficult for me to make the jump from acquaintances in a shared space to friends, but I find that in person too. I still manage it. I have to put in effort to communicate and listen. If they ask about my interests I try to remember to ask about theirs too. I find it much easier to remember little things like asking how their week has gone if we're already doing other things together. Also, again, socializing in groups helps me a lot because other people might remember to do the things I forget or don't think to do, and I can also participate.

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@grim_elsewhere@lgbtqia.space 2026-04-25 18:03

@Bel_tamtu So many people I used to be close to and did things with seem so busy now. They have families and careers. I don't reaaaally have any fandoms, and am often overwhelmed by discord and group interactions. I never know when or how to contribute. Thanks for sharing your experience! I do really appreciate it.

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