Does making friends and the "encouragement" really work?

Some people really benefit from it....me included. I keep my diary public so everyone can see what I eat and that keeps me accountable. The more friends, the more accountability. Keeps me pretty honest.

And I have met some pretty awesome ladies on here....and we all have ONE thing in common.

I didn't really expect to use the forums at all. But found myself on them quite a lot.

Reading posts has introduced me to new info and approches I wouldn't have considered before (BTW, always to a little research before accept new info/approaches)

I have also found that I AM very opinionated and even if nobody has read my posts or responses just going through the writing process has helped me distill and focus my approach. When you have a clearer understanding of what you want to do and why it's easier to do.

I always about the 100th person to respond because I'm long-winded and over think things.
I'm not great at the day-to-day cheerleading, I'm not even great at noticing when someone has posted encouragement on my wall.

But I'm more prone to large "brain dumps" on a subject.

Some people really benefit from it....me included. I keep my diary public so everyone can see what I eat and that keeps me accountable. The more friends, the more accountability. Keeps me pretty honest.

And I have met some pretty awesome ladies on here....and we all have ONE thing in common.

Another new pic! You're looking fabulous!

My friends kick *kitten* every day, and while it may not be a *direct* encouragement, I get excited about trying new things because of what my friends do. When they post they've gotten a new PR or started a new training thing, it gets me excited to maybe one day be awesome like they are.

Its worth a shot. most things were said, but I also find it gives me a reason to just come to the site and check things out. Which in itself is a help.

Add me also if you like.

Sometimes it nice to see other people doing "the work" to get healthy...and some of my friends are just plain funny. For example,it funny to hear that other people yell at the tv during their work outs too!

It has helped me a bunch. Guess it keeps me accountable. I also learn ideas from friends and those ideas have improved my personal plan.

Depends on the person and the friends I suppose. I never set foot on the forums nor did I have a single mfp friend for the first 6-8 months. I was successful because I was motivated by me and mfp was the greatest thing ever. But I started reading the forums, started posting, got me some mfp friends and that's even better. They give you a pat on the back when you need it most, and your pat on their back could totally make or break their day. I have people on my friends list that started last week, and some that have been here 2 years. So tons of knowledge and opinions and experience there-and all the enthusiasm from people just starting out. It's kind of nice to talk someone off a ledge you've stood on many times yourself. It's also great to have people to help talk you off the ledge when you can't do it yourself. I had a rough second half of 2012 - and often just seeing a "nice job" or "wtg" was enough to keep me on task (or as close as possible). My friends are also a highly entertaining bunch-which is never a bad thing. And as others have mentioned-not a single soul irl really gives two sh!ts what I eat, how many miles I run or about anything else related. They don't understand that replacing a wardrobe every month is cool-for 2 months, then it's just annoying. They will talk about grams of protien or carbs or food that is healthy and doesn't taste like moldy cardboard. And for me, sometimes the most innocuous comment from a friend really makes me think about things and ends up giving me some big revelation.

So are friends necessary? No-I lost 60-65 of my 75 with not a friend on my list. But, I wouldn't trade my friends for anything-they absolutely enhance my life. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Yes. I appreciate everyone's support. THANK YOU!

I'm afraid if I add friends and they see my food log, they'll know I skimp on food so I can always leave room for wine at the end of the day - haha! But seriously, I did finally add a few people after a long time of just "lurking" and I find it's more fun to have people cheering me on. Everyone is welcome to add me too.

only been here since january 1 but i like my MFP friends. i like seeing what they are up to and hearing what they tell me.

It works great for me...but this is on my profile... "If you want to friend me...do it only if you want a mutual relationship of support and sharing in the journey. Not a friend collector, but a relationship builder. Please add a message in your friend request."

Otherwise..iggy.

Depends. If you only have a few pounds to lose and you aren't social, maybe it's not a big deal. But if you're a long way from goal, it sure helps to not concentrate on cals,macros and weight all the time and have some yucks with your mean girls clique. Time flies that way and they'll teach you a thing or two along the way.

I find it nice to have friends with similar goals. Most of my "real life" friends have different goals and struggles than I do. I have also found support with MFP friends that have morphed into real-life friends.

And real-life friends who I didn't know were actually on MFP. So we can do some live support too.

I think it is great, at the very least to commiserate over food diaries and DOMS.

I have some amazingly motivational friends and some great inspirations on my friends list, if it weren't for their influence (direct or indirect) I wouldn't still be here. It really worked for me.

Go by experience, make your own decisions on what works for you!