I just knew you would be. 😀

Thank you, Melissa. As for “what is a facebook friend? ~ my experience is that it can be many things, not unlike “real life”. For some it’s a meaningful connection they nurture, for some it’s a popularity poll. Some people are better at keeping in touch, some just aren’t very good at it ~ and that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care, it just doesn’t get from thought to typepad. With facebook there’s the added layer of it being “public”, making some people more reticent about sharing than others. Then there are some who are online “all the time” and some who don’t go on for weeks on end.

I understand how you feel in the case of your old college friend ~ because to you and I, a reply would, at the very least, be courteous. But lest we become too accustomed to this instant world, I also wouldn’t jump to judgment, as there could be any number of reasons – real world demands, not knowing how to navigate online very well, not realizing she has a message (this does happen!). Or she could have simply and honestly liked knowing you’re there, whether or not anything comes of it. My advice ~ spend a few minutes feeling disappointed or confused and then move along with people you’re more tuned in with!