UncleMac wrote: »

nikkib0103 wrote: »

That is exactly what the boyfriend says. Facebook, online friends... he doesn't get it. He also says men have different ways of being with their friends. They can go months, years, without seeing each other and it doesn't change the status of their friendship one bit. Despite being an introvert, I like a 'peopled' life but also know my limits and will retreat when I go into people overload.

Agreed with your boyfriend. If you don't see someone for a while, why would that change your friendship? It means when you do get together, you have more stuff to talk about.

I'm grateful when folks pay a visit (online or off) but if they don't, that's okay too. I'm told the true difference between an extrovert and an introvert is energy; yin and yang. An extrovert gains energy through social interaction whereas an introvert must spend energy in social interactions. Like yin and yang, both introvert and extrovert have the seed of each other.

That is exactly how it is for me. I am drained after being in a group of people. I will tell you, though, that I actually lost a friend because I just didn't have time to see her when she had time. Women can be odd in some ways, but I guess you know that.

marekdds wrote: »

Yeh, guys are different, (who knew). I try to be attentive to my friends everyday. If I am going to be absent, I will tell them. Maybe I am too fricking needy, but if I take the time to notice and encourage people, I expect the same in return.

I watch my newsfeed and I respond to those who are active or who appear to need encouragement. Some folks have so many posts, it's hard to imagine they will notice whether or not I reply. Others are mostly quiet. It's a balancing act, recognizing what works best for each individual.

debloveswine wrote: »

I try to keep the number of friends low, so I know that I'll have time to comment and be supportive. Nothing worse than a friend who hits the "like" button every time. I actually value some comments that I've gotten from my friends especially Jen who is always honest.

That's exactly what mfp friendships are about.. Taking the time to comment & be supportive is so very important.

Brinasacat wrote: »

3 of my MFP friends have become facebook friends.

I can see that! It's tough when no one in your inside circle is trying to loose weight. That's where social media and MFP pick up the slack. You can surround yourself with folks in the trenches with you. Also, having to log in my food holds me accountable in a way like never before for me. The atta girls made me pause before I ate something that I knew wouldn't help me get to my goal. That yummy piece of cake I ate at a church event cost me 500 calories!!!!! I knew I couldn't eat it again without a conscious decision

I just wonder if this group is so good due to the ages of the members.
We are no longer kids trying to compete with each other. I have been on this site since March this year (2015) but never joined any groups due to reading some of the nasty comments made on some of the other forums. It wasn't until 1st June (when I decided to actually go for it and try and lose the excess weight I have carried for more years than I care to remember) that I decided to try a find a group that I may well actually fit into. (And I think I have finally found one - this one lol). It is going well due to the few friend requests sent. I am normally a shy person until I get to know you. I do 'like' others posts and if I can comment on a post with something positive then I will. I have found it really helpful having others comment on my posts - and the fact that I can post when having 'bad' days and get given ideas on how to combat them helps immensely. Hopefully I will collect a few more friends as I continue with my weight loss journey

I think because we are, ahem, seasoned veterans of life and weight we don't suffer fools or BS gladly. We 'speak' thoughtfully and without being judgmental. I think that is mainly it.

This group is great! I am so glad to be a part of it