> I don't think my parents take my time spent on RinkChat very seriously.
>
> Many times they have made comments about my "being addicted" to RinkChat.
>
> I just wish I could make them understand that the people I meet here are really my friends.
>
> Who said you can't make a friend over the internet?
>
> Give me one good reason an internet friend is any less valid than a friend made in real life.
>
> Sun"annoyed"dragyn.

Don't be annoyed at your parents. It's their job to look out for you, even if they have to be a little too careful sometimes. If you get right down to it, those of us that you know via internet are really just typed words on a monitor. I agree with Sam that you need other friends besides the internet variety.

It's great to have (1) friends on the internet, (2) real life friends, and (3) friends that you know electonically and in person. Rinkies aren't the only people I know on the internet. I discuss motorscooters with fellow collectors on net all the time. But the big plus for me is that I get to see them in person two or three times a year at meets. Sometimes it surprises me that we are all so much alike. I guess that's where RinkWorks comes in, because we are all so different.

And another thing I've noticed is that every year, the number of friends that I don't talk to on the net is shrinking. Not that I'm losing friends. It's just that everybody is getting on the net.

I think we should value all of our friends. I guess that's why we call them "friends."
Howard