I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one here who's had this happen.

We all get attached to the people we play with. Usually some random stranger halfway across the world, sitting behind a screen. Described like that, it's really hard to evaluate the actual level of friendship between yourself and the other person - but it happens. There are people I RP with, that I've never formally met, that I consider closer than some of the friends I have IRL.

So what do you do, when things go wrong in their lives?

I find it hard enough to cope when someone comes online to say they've had a family emergency. Let alone when a friend or family member comes online on their account, to say they're really, really not well.

It's happened at least twice for us this year. And both times I've been left in a state of absolute shock, shaking, nauseous, upset - pretty much as I would be if someone told me the same had happened to one of my friends right here.

So how do you deal with it? When you can't see/hear/feel the person you're worried about? I can't really afford tickets around the world, but if I could I would be there in an instant, but it's just not possible.

*sigh*... is there any way to do this without going crazy?

I know what you mean :/

do you have their phone number? maybe you could give them a call or something. or if you know their mailing address, then send them a care package or something :)

im here if you wanna talk. dont mean to sound creepy or anything but just tryin to reach out :)

Oh, I know that feeling all too well...

I'm close with a lot of my online friends. I've actually met a few of them and am good friends with them offline, as well. x3 We've gone to conventions together, they've stayed at my house for weeks at a time, we've gone to concerts together...and we all only met off my site, Spirits of the Earth. XD I even once surprised one of my online friends (who was staying at my house for a few days because we were going to a concert together) by making a surprise arrangement with another online friend at the other end of the country so that she could come, too. That was great since this friend is a mutual friend that neither of us had met yet, and man was my friend hyped at the surprise. And we all stayed in a hotel (since we drove three hours to get to the concert) and it's been a blast.

A few other online friends who I haven't met in person yet, well, we talk on the phone and send each other birthday and Christmas presents. x3

So needless to say, yeah, I'm close with a lot of online buddies, and when crap happens to them...ugh. It's horrible, and I get upset and shaken just like you. It's awful because there's the distance and you can't really do anything for them but talk to them online, maybe call them if you have their number or send them "feel better" stuff if you have their address.

So that's what I'd suggest. If you have their phone number or address, you could always give them a call or send them some mail. ^_^ But if that's not possible, then talking to them online can still mean a LOT. Just let them know you're thinking about them and that if they ever need to vent, you're there to listen, or offer them an E-shoulder to cry on. Or heck, if you're artistically inclined and have a scanner or something, draw them something. It may not seem like much, and it may seem a little empty compared to being able to talk to them in person or hug them, but it can really make a world of a difference and it shows that you're thinking about them and that you care.

Had that happen recently to an RP mate. Oh and done that to her back as well. Another mate said "send her positive thoughts." There's no good wishing it was any different, because the hard truth is that there really is nothing you can do for them as you're physically apart.

So send positive thoughts your mate's way and if this person has work to do online that you can do, try and take over. All you can do. *nods* and of course contact them with best wishes.

Make sure you look after yourself too. Can't have your mate coming back to friend whose driven themselves to the ground with worry. (smile)

Thanks guys, it helps a lot to at least know I'm not the only one who gets this worked up about it. Was really upset this morning, to the point where no longer adminning seemed like a happier option.

But it's all good. Tally wouldn't be Tally without Mousie changing the skin every two weeks. XD

All jokes aside, I found it easier to get away from the computer. Went shopping, went to work, and came back to find out the member in question is okay, on medication, and I would assume receiving counselling which makes me feel much better.

Just annoying when MSN is the only method of contact.

I have had very good internet friends tell me thigns on IM that made me cry and get very restless because my only mode of contct was msn. There are others which I can phone, but then there are timezones to worry about. It has happend to me quite a few times :)

But yes, I understand. It's like they are friends you see everyday (well, you do IM them everyday, so it counts). If I was a millionairess Mousie, I'd give you your own jet :D

Just support them, and so as much as you can through the modes of contact you have, and make sure they are okay. Though with me, I can't sign off until I know that the person is definitely okay, which is hard sometimes lol

(And yes, the ever changing skins of Tally! Woo hehe =D)