I’ve been here for 12 years, so there are lots of little ways…most frequently involving reading a book that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
The most significant, though, resulted from a Dopefest back in 2007 (maybe 2006?) where I met Licentious Ectomorph. We hit it off and started reading each other’s LiveJournals, which led to a real-life friendship, which led to me meeting his then-partner and their friends, which led to a couple of very significant friendships for me. I’m not in touch with him anymore, but I’m still FB friends with a few great guys who I’d never have known if it weren’t for him…and the Dope. Also, I can say that I was once in the same room with President Obama because of (and with) him.
I’m just now seeing this and I can’t thank you enough for the kind words. I feel exactly the same and so many here have helped me through the roughest times, like with my mental struggles and the loss of my husband. If I could meet you in real life, I’d probably be astounded that you’re cooler there than here. On that note, I feel the same about some other amazing ladies; jsgoddess, ZipperJJ, evensven, ITD, eliahna, monstro, Rivkah, Baker, Rebo, Biggirl, Kimstu and Emiliana to name a few that I’ve learned so much from. I know there’s more (and some have left the board), so I’m sorry for any I’m forgetting. But truly, every day I become wiser for having “known” these smart and funny women. Y’all rock.
And I’ve made some awesome friends here who are wonderfully helpful and supportive. No matter where the SDMB finds itself in the future, I’ll always consider this place my home and feel very fortunate for everyone I’ve met along the way and blessed for everything I’ve gained from here.
Many things I’ve read here have forced me to think outside my little experience bubble and consider that my life is not as typical or representative as I had thought. I feel as if I’ve grown personally because of this.
I’ve also learned that there are more jerks out there than I’d imagined.
Back in 2003, I went with some friends on a coach tour of England and Scotland. On our last night, I met up with a bunch of London area Dopers. I told them I wanted to go on a pub crawl and they obliged. I had an awesome time with them. Unfortunately, I don’t remember their names, but I still have their pictures on a CD somewhere.
One aspect of the difference between our cultures became apparent to me when a couple of them were having a conversation that I absolutely could not follow. I understood the words, but I couldn’t glean the meaning or context because they used a lot of idioms that only locals would understand.
So, if any of you London Dopers are still around and happen to be reading this thread, thanks again for the fun times!
A few years before I found the Dope my favorite coffee shop across the street from the college had closed down. I was really missing the great conversations I had over there that I seemed to find no where else until I came here.
