You would never think it would happen in the world wide web of the internet -  finding love and meaningful relationships. But it happens. You hear about it all the time. People who have never met before stumble into each other online and before you know it, they are offline to the altar.

Several years ago, a group bloggers stumbled into each other and formed a group. We called it Blogkadahan or within the forums, we called it the Berks Cafe’. Just like any relationship, it was tentative at first. Even though some of us have known each other through our blogs and have communicated with each other on a one on one basis, this was the first we ever gathered together as a group. Everyone can see and know what you’ve said to everyone else.

Just like in any relationship, the physical attraction came first. Our blogs was that attraction. We were drawn to each other through our blogs. It didn’t take long though before we got used to the chatter and were soon caught up with the euphoria of being with someone that you really like. Thank goodness to G-mail’s limitless capacity and Emer’s tenacity in forming the group, we were soon like teenagers in love; running to check what’s brewing at the Berk’s Cafe every chance we got. Some days it was uproarious fun; people sharing funny stories, jokes or photos. Other days, topics are of mundane and everyday things like the traffic, the weather or what’s for lunch.

The getting to know you phase didn’t last long as we quickly found out how much we had in common. We could talk about everything! And we did. We talked all day and all night about everything. The great thing about having members in different time zones was the Berks Cafe’ was open all the time! Someone was always there. We grew and we bloomed. You can see that on the original Blogkadahan blog. We were tight, we were in love with each other and couldn’t get enough of each other.

It was inevitable. We had to meet offline. Numerous EB (Eye Ball) meets were scheduled all around the world. And every time we met each other in real life, it was like meeting an old friend. We picked up the conversations just where we left it off online. Online, offline, the lines have gotten blurred. We were a couple… several times over.

We’ve been together for five years now, longer than some people stay married. During that time we’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve shared weddings, births, breakups and sadly, even funerals. We’ve cried together and we’ve laughed together. We’ve also argued, bickered and fought like crazy (just in case you’re thinking that all is rosy and sweet). But isn’t that how most relationships go? You make love, you fight, you make up.

When you love you surrender a part of you to those that you love. There are no guarantees that you will come out unscathed and you have to be willing to take the risk. Sometimes you come through a relationship fuller than when you started but sometimes a part of you is lost forever. That has happened to us too. Our relationship is evolved. It’s not the same as it started, but the love, the camaraderie is still there. Like an old married couple, we’re reaching a comfort zone. We don’t run to the Berks Cafe’ daily like a lovesick teenager anymore nor do we constantly beg for affirmations and attention. We are like an old couple comfortable in how we feel about each other.

It’s quieter now. The pulse doesn’t race as fast anymore but the intimacy, the stability and the permanence of friendship, love and family, they remain. Come and grow old with us…