Does having MFP buddies really help?

Poisonedpawn78

I think it depends how you use them. I've seen people get immense amounts of support stop and leave, I've seen people use it like Facebook looking for attention and eventually stop and leave. If you be honest with whats happening, ask for help and advice and when it makes sense to actually listen and incorporate things from people who have succeeded it can be VERY helpful. don't worry about being embarrassed about a bad day or lack of progress. Everyone on here has probably had days like that.

The moment you try to hide and avoid them knowing the truth, you are already down the road to failure.

Unknown

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Duck_Puddle

I’ve been here logging all my food for a little over 6 years. I’ve had friends for ~5-ish years. I have found them to be the best part of this process.

We talk about fitnessy things (my friends have interests that run the gamut from endurance racing to powerlifting and just general fitness), we talk food (a LOT-I have some awesome chefs on my list), we talk life things, we share funny things, we lament about injuries and illness, we cheer for each other’s successes and help pick each other up after setbacks.

It’s a little community. When I’m feeling down or having a difficult day or life feels a little overwhelming and I’m feeling like maybe I just don’t have the energy to make healthy choices today, that community helps me get through those days. They don’t make choices for me, they don’t really have any affect on what I do other than simply being there and caring. Not the elusive motivation and accountability- more just a presence and knowing that I’m part of this community of people fighting a lot of the same battles and all of us working towards our own individual goals. I’m now friends with several of my Mfp friends outside of Mfp. I’ve done OCR’s and running races with people I’ve met through my Mfp FL.

My FL includes people of all ages, heights, genders, people trying to bulk, maintain, or lose anywhere from 5-200 pounds. I’ve got friends who eat just about every variety of diet imaginable. The one thing we have in common is compassion, a good sense of humor, lack of judgment, and common interest in health and fitness pursuits.

My diary is closed and I’m accountable to me. My Mfp friends serve the same purpose as my IRl friends: support and fun. They just happen to be more willing to listen to me yammer about long runs, workouts, food, more food, and more food.

YMMV as evident from this thread.

MichelleWithMoxie

The social aspect is pure entertainment, and can also be super helpful and informative. I like having an active friend list, as it makes it more fun. And, funnily enough, I met my now husband through here on mfp back in 2013

sgt1372

Iwantahealthierme30 wrote: »

I like participating in the forums but I don't accept friend requests. . . . I just don't see the point.

^Ditto.