Liz, you forgot to mention the American :-)

Anyroads, the way I understand your question, folkfan73, you're not asking about Mudcat in particular, but about enduring internet friendships in general, so this is what this post is about.

I've met several good friends through the internet over the years, basically because that way you can pick your friends by mutual interests rather than by the necessity for proximity. For someone like me with what you could call "non-mainstream" interests (dachshunds, genealogy, wildlife photography (birds and bugs) and folk music / dancing), this has been a real blessing. Two of my best friends today are both people I met through the internet about 10 years ago, one is Iris in Germany with whom I share an interest in dachshunds, dachshund genealogy and homepage construction. We've met many times since and stay in touch on a regular basis. The other, strictly speaking, is not "international", but without the internet I probably would never have met her anyway. She is Hanne, and we share a keen interest in genealogy, have ancestors in common and today also share an internet domain offering ressources for others interested in Danish genealogy. Since Hanne moved into the country a few years back and became a dog owner we now also discuss dog related issues.

From interests in common these two friendships have developed into being "all-round", and today Iris and Hanne are both friends I'd trust with my life, if need be. They're the kind of mates I really value, someone who'd stand by you come what may, might tell you a few home truths face to face but would never EVER stab you in the back - something that means a lot to me. Mates with whom you always know where you stand. Mates with whom you never have to fumble in the dark and try to second-guess what they're on about or want you to do to "preserve" the friendship. They're true friends to the tune of standing by me even at the present time when my life is in turmoil because I'm fighting tough battles on three fronts at the same time. These two friends have really made my life richer.

As for Mudcat, I've been around for going on two years and have had the pleasure of meeting in real life the lovely and lovable loonies of Portland Maine, an assorted bunch of mainly British Catters at Banbury and another mixed bag at Portaferry. I'm not going to name names, or I'd be at it all day :-)

Best wishes,

Bente