Webupon

Friendster, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, etc.etc. There are hundreds or even thousands of web sites where people around the world, regardless of their race, orientation and even age can communicate and keep in touch with each other.

What makes those websites click among internet users?  The chance of expanding a network is unlimited. These websites offer possibility of gaining countless friends from across the globe, keeping in touch with relatives thousands of miles apart, reaching out to every single soul trying to seek help and attention, it even offers a possibility of finding a lifetime partner. Just think of interracial marriages made possible by the World Wide Web. Welcome to the 21st century.

But what if, the non-malicious networking has gone wayward and has turned into a household issue?  This could also be your story…

ROQ: Hi… I know we have the same surname but could you tell me how we are related? tnx!

GQ:   Ha, ha…God help me find the answer to that, Rose. . I must tell you, though, that we are only but a few in (name of the province) and if you trace your roots there chances are we’re twigs from the same old tree.

ROQ : oh well, I figured out its bcoz we have the same surname, hence, as you said of the same family tree… but fyi, am just married to a Q, so am not really that familiar with the Q’s in ____.. But have attended (Feast festival) thrice, until my father-in-law suffered a massive heart attack in 1996, just at the culminating activity of the fiesta in (Town)… oh well… nice knowing you though ….

GQ: Oh, I thought you are a pure Q. . Silly of me to think that you are single what with your pretty face, you must have had an MRT-full of suitors and a lucky Q went all the way to the…church with you as bride. . That’s a sad experience with your in-law…

hey, thanks for accepting the invite. Take care!

Using the website, the guy named GQ was clearly looking for possible relatives across the globe and thus, he found ROQ. Though he was trying to compliment her, there’s nothing wrong in this picture yet. It is an innate nature that we give compliment to one another to make the person feel comfortable with us. It is an effective way of communicating.

ROQ: ha-ha, tnx for the compliment …. I guess it was ok to accept your invite coz you are a Q anyway, so I said, this is one harmless guy ….
….read the other Q’s in your profile, J and MQ sound familiar to me….. Btw, I just carry the surname Q but….. It’s complicated…..Anyway, take care too and nice knowing you :>

GQ: Sure, I can be harmless. .

I hope carrying the surname Q is not a burden. Silly of me to say that.
I’m filled with pride that you do carry that surname, you give it a glitter.

The guy has a natural honey soaked lips.

GQ: BTW, I like looking at your face in your profile. Looks really pretty and sexy…believe me, that’s how I see it.

ROQ: ha-ha…. really??? Again, thanks for the compliment… am flattered na :>
btw, from where are you? What do you do, if I may ask? :>

GQ: is there a way where I can converse with you aside from here? I mean, chat or text, maybe. I am an advocate. A UK-based group put up an affiliate here (Proceeds by further giving her an overview of his job).  I live in (name of a city) alone. My family is in (name of a province). Do you always go online? Silly question.

ROQ: wow, galing! I really admire people involve in civic works….nice advocacy you got
well, you have YM? Am logged in now… am chatting with US based friends kasi….. Maybe you can send me invite in ym? It’s (YM address)

Actually, truth is, the last few days were my first time to log in (website)… I forgot my password for a longtime after just accepting an invite from a friend who was making me kulit to join (website) …. today, I am just at home the whole afternoon… walang lakad… and so had the time to really browse…. and thanks to you, slowly, I now begin to enjoy the “mushy-mushy” stuff of (website) and now am answering na the invites

Seems like the sugar coated words the guy used to this woman was effective. She was truly smitten by his words.  Following sent her gifts, cards, hugs and kisses through the web page applications. She was even the only pet he bought.

ROQ: Thanks for the thought, cuz

GQ: No problem, cutie-pie! . Miss your company in the chat room. . Would you text me kaya if I am not on-line? Here’s hoping you will: (his mobile number)

On the succeeding months he dedicated songs for her. Still via the web page application.

  I’m Missing You Now by Michael Bolton. Enclosed was a message “Ala lang…

 It Might Be You. Also, with an enclosed message “For someone so far away…”

Thanks for the music video cuz ooops… sorry wrong email add… no dot pala in between my first and last name…..it’s (her email add)

The exchange of private conversation continues. Eventually the guy admitted to the woman in one of his messages that he was actually flirting with her. He was even proud of saying that he would give her the top caliber form of flirtation. Continuously sending her sugar coated messages, endless, hugs, love and kisses. Sending her emails with mushy subject heading such as “Your Aura is Captivating”, “Reaching Out to A beautiful Woman”, “Simply Irresistible, That’s you” etc, etc. They were able to sustain the said “relationship” for almost a year.

So what if this guy had admitted he’s flirting with her. What’s wrong with this picture? At first thought, it seems it is perfectly all right for a man and a woman to carry a relationship like this. However, what made this off is: the man is married and has a kid with his wife.

His wife found out about it and he denied it swearing to God and even to his mother’s grave. But how can you deny something that is so obvious? What hurts the wife the most was during those times when he was busy showering this woman his attention, his wife was left in the province working as a teacher and at the same time single-handedly taking care of their sickly child? She was asking for his little time and emotional support but he refused giving it to her by telling her he’s tired from working all day and already sleepy. Or sleeping putting her off with words like “I’m busy”.

He neglected her emotional needs, betrayed her confidence over his faithfulness to her and he tainted their love. He abandoned his role as her husband even if he kept on telling her he loves her and missing her, it was less felt by his wife. He refused to listen and give her emotional support when she needed him most. He, unnoticeable shut her away from him.

This story gives no encouragement nor does it have a happy ending good enough to share. As the time this story was submitted for approval, the couple is sharing a stressful relationship. Both of them are suffering from the pain and betrayal the guy had created. If time heals all wounds, God and time only knows when.

This may serves as a lesson to all couples. If you love your family, your spouse or your partner, no matter how adventurous you are about life, how confident you are in taking risks  just for the sake of having fun and for the kicks of it, DO NOT TEMPT FATE. You’ll never know where it will lead you. You might be doing something right now that sooner or later you’ll regret.

The world wide web will here to stay. Sure, it is exciting to meet new acquaintances, reconnecting with old friends, and loved ones is bliss. Networking offers limitless and endless possibilities and opportunities. But, as individuals we need to be responsible with our acts. It is all up to us how we make use of the net to our advantage. Not to hurt the people who care for us, not to destroy a peaceful relationship. Networking is mainly building relationship in a fair and honest deal.