Online friendships are becoming increasingly more common, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing rules make it difficult to meet people in person.

While making friends on the internet can be a great way to connect with people who have similar interests, it’s important to set expectations for these relationships. As with any friendship, there are certain boundaries and guidelines that should be established to ensure a healthy and enjoyable connection. Here are some key expectations to consider when building an online friendship.

1. Communication Frequency

One of the first things to establish with a new online friend is how frequently you will communicate with each other. Some people prefer to chat every day, while others may only want to touch base once a week.

Be honest with yourself and your new friend about your communication preferences, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries if you need some space.

2. Time Zone Differences

If you are making friends with people from different time zones, it’s important to be respectful of each other’s schedules.

Make sure you both understand when the other person will be available to chat and try to find a time that works for both of you. It’s also a good idea to be understanding if the other person can’t respond to your messages right away due to time zone differences.

3. Shared Interests

One of the benefits of making friends online is the ability to connect with people who share your interests. However, it’s important to be realistic about the depth of your shared interests.

Just because you both like a certain TV show or hobby doesn’t mean you will automatically be best friends. Make sure you are getting to know each other as individuals and not just bonding over shared interests.

4. Boundaries

Boundaries are crucial in any friendship, and online friendships are no exception. Make sure you establish clear boundaries with your online friend about what is and isn’t appropriate to discuss or share.

This could include personal information, political beliefs, or any topics that one or both of you are uncomfortable with.

5. Privacy

Online friendships require a certain level of trust, and privacy is an important part of that. Be respectful of your new friend’s privacy and make sure you are not sharing any personal information they have not given you permission to share.

Likewise, make sure you are not sharing any personal information that could compromise your own privacy.

6. Tolerance and Respect

Online friendships are a great opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. However, it’s important to be tolerant and respectful of these differences.

Be open-minded and willing to learn from your friend’s different perspectives and experiences, and try to avoid judgment or negativity.

7. Meeting in Person

If you are interested in meeting your online friend in person, it’s important to take the necessary precautions.

Make sure you have exchanged enough information to feel comfortable meeting, such as full names, phone numbers, and social media profiles. Arrange to meet in a public place and let someone else know where you will be and who you will be with.

8. Realistic Expectations

One of the biggest mistakes people make in online friendships is having unrealistic expectations. Remember that online friendships are just like any other friendship and require time and effort to maintain.

Don’t expect your new friend to be available 24/7 or to fulfill all of your social needs. Instead, focus on building a genuine connection based on shared interests and mutual respect.

9. Fade-Outs

It’s a sad reality of online friendships that sometimes they end without explanation. A fade-out is when one person gradually stops responding to the other person’s messages or social media posts until the friendship fades away completely.

While it’s important to establish expectations for communication in the beginning, it’s also important to accept that fade-outs happen and to respect the other person’s decision to end the friendship.

10. Emotional Support

While online friends can offer great emotional support, it’s important to remember that they are not trained professionals.

If you or your online friend are struggling with mental health issues or other serious problems, it’s important to seek professional help. While it’s okay to be there for each other and offer words of encouragement, don’t expect your online friend to be your therapist or solve all of your problems.

Conclusion

Online friendships can be a great way to connect with people who share your interests and experiences. However, it’s important to set expectations from the beginning to ensure a healthy and enjoyable connection.

By being honest with yourself and your new friend, establishing clear boundaries, and being respectful of each other’s privacy and time, you can build a genuine online friendship that brings joy and positivity to your life.