Love is Patient, Love is Kind

Remember the movie, 27 Dresses? Where Adam said, “Love is patient, love is kind. Love means slowly losing your mind”? I don’t know why but when I saw this cool sign from Magnum Opus that is available in the Love is in the Air Hunt this February, I thought of this movie. I love this movie. It’s one of my favorites.

It got me to thinking about how people treat relationships in SL. Yes, I get it’s a virtual world. There’s no dispute there. We all know we’re in a virtual world with good looking avatars that we spend a lot of time working on making how we want. They become an extension of us. Of who we are as people and as such, whatever is done to our avatars is done to the “real” us, in a way.

People treat it like it doesn’t matter how they treat others in Second Life because they tell themselves, “Oh it’s a virtual world. These people aren’t “real” and that means I can bully or treat anyone any way that I want.” But they forget that behind that avatar are people. Real, living, breathing people with thoughts, feelings and more. When you treat people poorly and excuse it away saying that it was “just the virtual world” or “it’s not real,” you are fooling yourselves. This world we call Second Life may be a virtual environment where we create avatars to “play” with, but we are not characters in a game with no thoughts or feelings. We are not NPC characters. HOW you treat people, even in a virtual environment, reflects on who you are as a person.

Bullying, ganging up on others with your friends, treating other bloggers and designers poorly, cyber stalking them… all of this is wrong on many different levels. And those who revel in it, are fools. They fool themselves into thinking that it is okay to treat others poorly when it’s not…just because it’s a “virtual world” and not “real.” People can create real bonds in Second Life. They can create and nurture real friendships and create families that are an extension of their real world families. And, while some of these bonds are broken at times (mostly by people who treat SL like a game), there are some of us who have bonds that have lasted years.

Case in point:

My SL brother, Kermie…I’ve known him for almost nine years now. He’s a special person and a great friend. I consider him a brother.

My SL mom, Alaina… When times were hard and I was alone, no friends, struggling to get my feet under me after a hard breakup, she took me into her clan and family. Slowly, over time, we have grown closer and she is this amazing woman. Guess how long I’ve known her! Going on four years now!

Then there’s my SL sisters, Lola and Hermione… I have known Hermione for 9 years. I met her just after I joined this trek group in SL and we grew closer. She and my SL dad were pretty much the only people I knew and talked to back then. I was isolated and alone and they were there for me, even when my ex didn’t want them to be. Then Lola is this amazing young woman with a heart of gold who will bend over backwards to be there if I need her and me for her. She has been in my life for two years now.

Finally, one of my best friends and an amazing woman, Lulu. She has been there for me, even when she’s not online…For two years she’s been a great sounding board, friend and confident. We helped each other through a lot.

These relationships are examples of how you can form bonds with people online without ever having to meet them in the real world. Some are overseas. Some are a few states away. We all care about each other and we are all there when we need to be. I can keep going but this would become longer than my arm!

So don’t discount the bonds that can be created in SL because you consider it a “game” and treat it as such. When you forget that there are real people behind the avatar, then you start treating people like they are nothing more than pixels, when they aren’t. SL is much more than a “game.” It is a place where you can create a “second” life…expand your creativity, develop bonds with people and do things that you sometimes can’t normally do in the real world.

This is what Second Life means to me… this is how I see it. How do you see it? How would you describe Second Life to you? Is it “just a game” and the people aren’t real? Or is it a virtual world with many possibilities and opportunities to create lasting relationships and bonds? For me it’s the latter, what is it for you? As always, see below for full credits and gallery! Laters!

Credits:

Head: LeLutka Bento Head Simone 3.3
Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V4.1
Hands: VISTA ANIMATIONS – 40%!-VISTA BENTO PROHANDS FEM- Version 2

Skin: Spicy Bodyshop – Charlie skin FAT PACK – Lelutka (see full review here) – Sponsor

Single pack: 3 skin tones, 4 eyebrow versions + browless version, shape for Chloe and Aida + Freya body, basic body applier, 3 Hairbases + 1 tintable (NEW hairbases), eyebrow shaper Fat pack: 12 skin tones, 4 eyebrow versions + browless version, shape for Chloe and Aida + Freya body, basic body applier, 3 Hairbases + 1 tintable (NEW hairbases), eyebrow shaper 

Eyes: CATWA Animated Eyes & Tears

Eye Appliers: MD Designs – Katia Catwa Eye Applier – Sponsor

Eyeshadow: KEKA – Eyeshadow 2 Red – Love is in the Air Hunt – Sponsor
HINT: Bring your lights out!

Nail Appliers: Go Frock Yourself – Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend Nail Appliers – Sponsor

Hair: Wasabi Hair – Pancake Mesh Hair – Sponsor
Available @ Belle Event (new event by Skye Everidge and ElviraMidnight) starting February 6th

Necklace: Harambee Gwassi – Love clock Jewelry set [unisex] – Love is in the Air Hunt – Sponsor
Hint: Searching the little monkey!

Earrings: -ELEMENTAL – ‘Ivy Creeper’ Earrings – The Underdog Event – Sponsor

Rings: Ama – Not So Happy Valentine’s Rings – Syndicate Sunday – Sponsor

Dress: Anny’s Fashion – Gisele BabyDoll Dress – Syndicate Sunday – Sponsor

Pose: FOXCITY – Selfie VOL4-3m
Flower Prop: Luanes World Poses – Grow Flowers – Flower bouquet
Butterfly Prop: BellePoses – Butterfly RARE02 (Add)
Cellphone Prop: FOXCITY. Selfie VOL4 – Phone (R Hand) – Wear me

Décor:

MOoH! Bloggers TSA February Love cats – Pallet heart cat 3LI RARE – Sponsor

The Secret Affair Feb 5 – March 5. MOoH! is offering a cute gacha full or valentine cats. You can use it as a gift for your loved ones, or just treat yourself! They are 50L a try. 

Magnum Opus – “Love Is” Upcycled Window – Love is in the Air Hunt – Sponsor
HINT: I Gacha Your Back

Little 2 Large – Dream Love Wall Board – Love is in the Air Hunt – Sponsor
HINT: These KittyCatS need love too.

ikr! RockWear – Love Bear & Blocks – Love is in the Air Hunt – Sponsor
(ADULT SIM, NO CHILD AVATARS sorry)
HINT: Treat yourself to the perfect mani/pedi to complete your gorgeous look!

DISORDERLY – Lovewood – Candle Barrel (Red)
DISORDERLY – Lovewood – Heart Crates (Red)
Trompe Loeil – Yara Treehouse V1.1