I have a few close mom friends in my life, and I use the term “close” rather loosely. We might chat a few times a month, but that still doesn’t feel like enough social interaction. So, I tried to find a label to describe my somewhat awkward feelings towards constant socializing. I concluded that I might be an introvert.
I mentioned this to a few friends, but they weren’t convinced. They insisted I’m too outgoing to be an introvert. What they don’t realize is that sometimes that social facade is really tough for me to maintain. There are moments when it feels forced because I don’t want to come off as rude. Other times, I just want to retreat into my own space. There are even times when I completely shut down.
If introverted isn’t the right term, then many would be shocked to hear that I also view myself as shy. It’s true. I tend to be guarded around other women and don’t easily trust others. Like many, I carry my own baggage, and it takes me time to feel secure in a friendship, which makes me a bit quiet at first.
Interestingly, I maintain a vibrant online presence. As a blogger with a public page and following, I engage with my audience daily—sometimes even hourly. I share personal moments with them that I don’t reveal to my real-life friends as often. Through my blogging journey, I’ve stumbled upon countless individuals who share my experiences—hundreds, even thousands.
Facebook offers a plethora of groups. You can do just about anything from your couch, whether it’s watching movies, shopping, or even finding companionship. And yes, you can make friends too. For me, there was a closed group dedicated to that purpose.
Bloggers like myself often create these closed groups, typically centered around a shared interest. Whether we’re writing for the same blog or attending the same conference, there’s always a common thread that binds us.
In my case, I was invited to a closed group that focused on blogging, writing, and mutual support for pitching or contributing to different platforms. However, it evolved into something much deeper than just blogging advice. It became a tribe of women—and a few men—dedicated to uplifting one another through the unpredictable journey of blogging. And believe me, it’s quite a ride.
While we share a passion for writing, we’re also parents, navigating the complexities of family life. Our group is a supportive space where we can vent, communicate, and celebrate our successes. Often, we share our achievements or struggles with one another before mentioning them to our families—not out of secrecy, but because we feel safe in our tribe. We don’t fear judgment or misunderstanding.
Let’s face it: we don’t always find that level of understanding in our everyday lives. How many people would truly grasp my frustration over a malfunctioning blog link or a popular site using one of my memes without credit? Probably not many. But my tribe gets it.
There are groups for nearly every interest—be it breastfeeding, mental health, fitness, or even hobbies like fishing or farming. You can belong to multiple groups, making it an incredible way to connect.
Despite the negative perception of the internet and social media, these platforms offer a fantastic opportunity for healthy, supportive connections. I can turn to my tribe to share my toddler’s goldfish-only breakfast dilemma without feeling judged. Even my in-person friends might say something hurtful, but my tribe understands.
I can reach out for advice on how to break the news to my husband about an unexpected pregnancy (not that I am, by the way). I can share my excitement about a long-awaited promotion and feel genuinely celebrated.
While not all groups operate with the same integrity, many do. Our community consistently checks in with one another to uphold the group’s values, and our wonderful friend who initiated our group ensures this happens regularly.
So, when you hear about a closed Facebook group, remember it’s not always about trivial topics. Sometimes, it’s where genuine friendships and nonjudgmental support flourish. It’s a place for connection and camaraderie.
And before you think it’s some kind of cult, let me assure you it’s not! It’s a safe haven that has saved our sanity time and time again.
They understand me! I understand them! And it feels so incredibly good to have that connection!
If you’re curious about more topics on this journey, check out our other blog posts, including this one on artificial insemination, or learn more about fertility boosters for men. For a deeper look into the process and benefits of artificial insemination, visit this resource.
Summary:
The article explores the author’s journey to find a supportive community on Facebook amidst their introverted and shy nature. By joining a closed group for bloggers, they discovered a tribe that offers understanding and encouragement, allowing them to celebrate victories and share struggles without fear of judgment. The online space provides a safe haven for genuine friendships and nonjudgmental support, showcasing the positive potential of social media.