When I first found the forum, I was so curious about everything and read as much as I could about the topics on my mind. I didn't post a ton at first and for a few months I didn't get on the forum because I was so busy in my everyday life.
Now that I have rekindled my flame for pipes (pun intended), I have been drawn into the community of kind, generous, like-minded, and generous people. I have made a conscious effort to be more consistent in my time here and participating. With that being said, since being on here more, I have started to grow some friendships with people on the board. I do care when people are going through rough patches and I celebrate with them during the good times. Even if they are just acquaintances, I still feel a bond. Like when juanmedusa had his baby, I was so happy for him, and truly felt it (bombing him was just icing on the cake).
I feel as though I'm cared about as well. Case in point, when I just posted on the round table about getting a new fridge. It's not a super big deal but it was an accomplishment and another life-step for me. The brothers have posted support and congratulations. It's little things like that, the closeness of having shared thoughts, life events, feelings, rants, stresses, and sharing them.
I hope as I am on here more, that I get the chance to grow more friendships and hopefully, meet some of you in person one day.