Kath on Friendship aka Facebook is Everything

Rachel is so wrong she’s right. No actually she’s just wrong. She does get a little right toward the end. Technology can help to connect people that wouldn’t otherwise connect. At least some people. Awkward people, like Rachel. Fine, me too.

If it weren’t for Facebook, I’m not sure if Rachel and I would have become friends. We met in real life first but it was Facebook that helped us get to know each other. It was this barrier of technology that allowed us to feel safe enough to communicate freely. 

Asking someone to be your friend to their face or asking them anything can be a terrifying thing to the innately shy. Facebook reduces that terror to manageable levels. Of course you can still get rejected/hurt/traumatized through social networking but at least you can be alone when that happens and no one will see you cry.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a little bit of distance. Why does everyone always want to be so up in my face? Get out of my face and message me on facebook is my motto. Once we know each other better you can get into my face area. Not too close, this isn’t Italy.

These are the ideal steps to form a modern friendship:


1. Meet in real life.
2. See who makes the friend request first (this will set the power hierarchy for the friendship, it cannot be altered).
3. Begin some light communication. Make a racist joke, see if they are on board.
4a. If they are, make more inappropriate jokes. Mix in some personal information. Not too much!

4b. Make sure they are not a real racist.
5. Make a plan to meet in real life. Bring Punjabi Mix or other interesting snack to ease the tension and show that your friendship intentions are sincere.
6. Repeat step 5. Vary locations and snacks.
7. Success! You have a new friend. Take pride in your accomplishment. 


This is the method that Rachel and I used to become friends and at least one of us is grateful for the role Facebook played. The other of us hates everything and never admits when she’s wrong. Just kidding. That is just an acceptable level of trash-talking Rachel and I established through online communication. We both know that Facebook is always right.