I have a small circle of mom friends in my day-to-day life, and I use the term “close” rather loosely. We might chat a few times a month, but that hardly feels like enough to satisfy my social needs. In my search for a term to describe my somewhat uncomfortable feelings about constant social interaction, I’ve come to realize that I lean toward being an introvert.
I shared this realization with a few friends, but they were skeptical. They insisted I’m too outgoing to be an introvert. What they don’t understand is that sometimes, putting on that social facade is incredibly challenging for me. There are days when I feel like I have to force myself to engage, or I just want to retreat into my shell. Honestly, I often do retreat.
If introverted doesn’t quite fit, then it may surprise those close to me that I also consider myself shy. It’s true; I tend to be guarded around other women and don’t easily trust others. I carry my share of emotional baggage, but who doesn’t? It takes time for me to feel secure in new friendships, which often makes me quiet at first.
Interestingly, my online presence is quite vibrant. As a blogger with a public page and a dedicated following, I engage with my audience on a daily basis, sharing snippets of my life that I don’t even discuss as often with my real-life friends. Through my blogging journey, I’ve discovered a multitude of people who resonate with my experiences—hundreds, even thousands!
The beauty of the internet, particularly Facebook, is that it offers countless groups for virtually every interest. You can accomplish a myriad of tasks from your couch: rent movies, shop, start a business, and yes, even find friendships. I found my own community within a closed group—what I like to call my tribe—focused on blogging, writing, and mutual support in pitching and crafting content for various platforms.
This group became more than just a professional network; it turned into a sanctuary of support among like-minded individuals. We share a common interest in writing, but we are also parents navigating the chaotic journey of parenthood. It’s a space where we can vent, celebrate, and commiserate. We often share our triumphs and challenges with each other before we even tell our family or friends, not out of secrecy, but because we feel safe and understood in our tribe.
Let’s face it: we don’t always feel comfortable discussing our frustrations with those in our everyday lives. If I were to express my irritation over a malfunctioning blog link or a website that plagiarized my content, would my friends really get it? Probably not. But my tribe does.
There are countless groups for every imaginable interest—breastfeeding, special needs parenting, mental wellness, fitness, hobbies, and even popular TV shows. You can join as many groups as you’d like, making it a wonderfully diverse way to connect with others.
Despite the negative reputation social media often receives, it serves as a powerful tool for forming healthy, supportive relationships. I can turn to my tribe and express my frustrations about my toddler’s picky eating habits without feeling judged. Even friends in real life might have something critical to say, but my online community is nothing but understanding.
I can ask for advice on how to break the news to my husband about an unexpected baby number three (I’m not pregnant, just for the record) or share my excitement about landing a long-awaited promotion, knowing I’ll be met with cheers and encouragement.
Not every group functions this way, but many do, especially when founded on integrity and goodwill. Our community regularly checks in with one another to uphold the values we’ve established. The friend who initiated our group ensures we remain connected and supportive.
When you hear about a closed Facebook group, it’s not always about selling products or services. Sometimes it’s where genuine friendships blossom and nonjudgmental support flourishes. It’s a venue for us to forge, nurture, and enjoy friendships.
And just to clarify, this is not some cult-like situation. It’s a safe haven for me and my friends, providing a lifeline during hectic times. They understand me, and I understand them—there’s something incredibly validating about that.
If you found this article insightful, check out our other piece on how to create supportive online communities as well as resources like this one for understanding the IVF process to further your journey. And for those considering at-home insemination, don’t forget to explore the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit.
In summary, finding my tribe on Facebook has transformed my social experience, providing me with a network of support, understanding, and camaraderie that enriches my life as a parent and a blogger.
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