Why do we blog?

This question was posed on a blog that I recently visited and it really intrigued me. Why? Because a year ago I would have said it was a crazy idea to have a blog and I would NEVER reveal myself to a bunch of strangers. I would NEVER correspond with anyone I didn't already know. What would I have to say to anyone? And, more importantly, why would anyone be interested in anything I had to say?

I just checked and my one-year blogging anniversary is approaching in September. I have been on this computer for a year!!! My day is concentrated on this computer. I wake up early in the morning and head for the computer. I wake up in the middle of the night and head for the computer. I get on the computer before I go to sleep. I get on the computer in the middle of the day when I should be doing something else. I can't wait to see who's commented on my blog or others' blogs. I can't wait to see who's posted something new and different. What a thrill to see that someone left a comment.

The funny thing is, from reading others' blogs, I find that WE ARE ALL DOING THE SAME THINGS. It's a compulsion -- but, isn't it fun? I love it.

Where could I possibly have met such a lovely, interesting, intelligent, funny, kind, beautiful group of friends in my entire life? And, from all over the world. Just think. We don't have to spend a bundle of money traveling around meeting interesting people. We can do it for free (practically free if you don't count the cost of getting online) and can travel anywhere around the world we want. (Just this morning I visited someone from Viet Nam.)

We may find that, just like in real life, there are some that we really, really like and there are some that we can't stand (for one reason or another). There are some out there that we don't agree with on any number of areas (political, religious, language, topics, styles) and there are a great many that we instantly find common ground with (humor, sharing family stories, gardening, tragedies, medical problems). There are some out there who have tragic, poignant stories to tell that we instantly have feelings for. There are some out there whom we miss because they suddenly, and without explanation, stop blogging. And, we all cry out, don't leave us, we need you.

I don't know about you, but I love hearing from favorites who share stories and pictures of their families, their talents, their thoughts, and their beliefs. I love making new friends. The funny thing is, in real life I'm very reticent about making new friends. I tend to be closed off and closed mouth. I guard my thoughts and feelings even with people I know. But with blogging, I'm free. I can say anything (within reason and hope I don't offend anyone). I find I love to share my thoughts with you, my blog friends, and love it when you share yours with me. (Thanks for the recipes.)

So, why do we blog? Maybe it's because blogging gives us a voice that otherwise would be silent except to a few. Maybe it's because our nuclear families have made us lonely. Maybe it's because as human beings we need each other because that's all there is in life -- each other.