Ann, this is so kind. I don’t know what to say - other than I am working on an essay to publish this week. Thank you for seeing that there could be something here.
Thank you so much for reading, Ann! I feel as though Substack might be the all grown up version of my teenage forays into online writing and publishing (without the fanfiction this time).
Loved your article! In think finding community online is a beautiful thing, sometimes it lets great people connect who otherwise would never have connected / met. At times it is also hard to find like-minded people offline.
Hi Emily. I can relate to a lot of what you wrote in this piece (also think we may be around the same age judging by the OC and MCR references). I think my limit before I start to get overwhelmed in group situations is around 2 hours, and as a result I've got myself into a bit of an avoidance pattern. Although I accept and like that I'm an introvert, I'd like to change this as it's preventing me from fully embracing life. I think it's great that you were able to put yourself in a group trip situation and thrive (by the sounds of it). I think one of the greatest gifts of the internet and social platforms is that it enables us to find our tribe when we might otherwise struggle to find it. I've not found my people, but I'm excited at the prospect of doing so in future. Look forward to reading more of what you write :)
Hi Becky - thank you so much for taking the time to read and reply. Avoidance is also one of my coping mechanisms, to the point that I rarely socialise, and I don’t know if you feel the same but I find the online world feels like a safe space to express myself while I try to make sense of life. It allows me to be more authentic, because you can cut through all the small talk. You will find your people, and the more you put your true self out there the more possible it will seem - because, look, here we are connecting! ♥️
I feel the same about communicating online - it feels far more manageable. I think that's why I was drawn to write in the first place, because I can clearly express myself and cope without the distractions, thoughts, worries etc. of in-person communication - which feels at times totally overwhelming. Here's to putting out true selves out there and connecting with others. Thanks for your comments! :)
Absolutely love this. There are plenty of people online I've felt comfortable sharing my innermost secrets with, while also sharing with my real life loving friends. What a journey ❤
Exactly - I think the delineation (perhaps only in my mind, but perhaps not) between internet friends and real life friends is less necessary in today’s world. Though I do still stumble when I’m trying to tell a story - “oh they’re just... someone I know from Instagram”! Thanks for reading, Rachel ♥️
♥️ it was just so special, I’m not sure any words can actually do it justice - but it meant a lot to me and looking back on my teenage years it all started to make sense, so I wanted to at least try to explore it a little!
PS I have just pledged my support - this looks like such a great new writing venture for you, Emily, really hope you keep it up!
Ann, this is so kind. I don’t know what to say - other than I am working on an essay to publish this week. Thank you for seeing that there could be something here.
Enjoyed your piece very much, Emily - thank you! It's very heartening to think about the good friends I've met through writing and publishing online.
Thank you so much for reading, Ann! I feel as though Substack might be the all grown up version of my teenage forays into online writing and publishing (without the fanfiction this time).
Me too! It’s even more fun now that we don’t have to force our families to read it… or only occasionally.
Loved your article! In think finding community online is a beautiful thing, sometimes it lets great people connect who otherwise would never have connected / met. At times it is also hard to find like-minded people offline.
Hi Emily. I can relate to a lot of what you wrote in this piece (also think we may be around the same age judging by the OC and MCR references). I think my limit before I start to get overwhelmed in group situations is around 2 hours, and as a result I've got myself into a bit of an avoidance pattern. Although I accept and like that I'm an introvert, I'd like to change this as it's preventing me from fully embracing life. I think it's great that you were able to put yourself in a group trip situation and thrive (by the sounds of it). I think one of the greatest gifts of the internet and social platforms is that it enables us to find our tribe when we might otherwise struggle to find it. I've not found my people, but I'm excited at the prospect of doing so in future. Look forward to reading more of what you write :)
Hi Becky - thank you so much for taking the time to read and reply. Avoidance is also one of my coping mechanisms, to the point that I rarely socialise, and I don’t know if you feel the same but I find the online world feels like a safe space to express myself while I try to make sense of life. It allows me to be more authentic, because you can cut through all the small talk. You will find your people, and the more you put your true self out there the more possible it will seem - because, look, here we are connecting! ♥️
I feel the same about communicating online - it feels far more manageable. I think that's why I was drawn to write in the first place, because I can clearly express myself and cope without the distractions, thoughts, worries etc. of in-person communication - which feels at times totally overwhelming. Here's to putting out true selves out there and connecting with others. Thanks for your comments! :)
Absolutely love this. There are plenty of people online I've felt comfortable sharing my innermost secrets with, while also sharing with my real life loving friends. What a journey ❤
Exactly - I think the delineation (perhaps only in my mind, but perhaps not) between internet friends and real life friends is less necessary in today’s world. Though I do still stumble when I’m trying to tell a story - “oh they’re just... someone I know from Instagram”! Thanks for reading, Rachel ♥️
This is so beautifully written Emily, definitely captures how I felt about the whole weekend ❤️
♥️ it was just so special, I’m not sure any words can actually do it justice - but it meant a lot to me and looking back on my teenage years it all started to make sense, so I wanted to at least try to explore it a little!