In real life, you are multi-dimensional, a complex creature with many facets.

On a blog, only a small part of yourself is visible. This is true no matter how much you try to “be yourself”.

Even in person, no one really knows another person completely. They see only the parts that are visible - in a marriage that can mean 75 or even 90% of a person.

When you know someone only through what they LET you see, and when you are blindfolded to start with, you are left with just a fraction of the original.

I had a phone conversation with a friend recently. She and I have conversed, done business, interacted in forums and chat rooms, but have never met. We spoke on the phone for the first time, a few days ago, and her comment was, “You have a sparkling personality! It does not come across online!”

I was rather surprised. My photo is pretty casual, I’m grinning like I’m having fun. I joke online, and let bits of my family show through. I did not realize that to some people I came across as just instructional - always serious.

I’ve always tried to be approachable, down to earth, and helpful. I know the helpful part comes across, but I’m not sure the friendly and approachable part does. Most of what I write ends up being fairly complex and instructional in nature. So I guess I revert to formal mode automatically when writing.

I don’t know if it is a problem, so much as an issue of being AWARE that it happens. To not judge too quickly, either in favor of, or against, another person. And to talk to them on the phone, or meet them in person before you assume you know them.

It was a bit of an eye opener - and a very nice compliment. I wish there was a way to be to my online associates what I am to my students - more than just a single facet.