Thanks to everyone who posted. I do appreciate you taking the time to offer your perspectives.

The whole forum "friend" thing is sort of warped, and it's bound to lead to disappointment. It would probably be better if there was an "acquaintance" category as a first step to take when getting to know somebody. At least it would be more honest and realistic.

I truly don't want to be judgemental when it comes to evaluating the "disappearances" of my friends. There are times when I don't feel like communicating too much, either. But it's not that hard to post a very short message to anyone who has been friendly to say that you're going away for a little while.

That's really all I ask.