A cycle buddy is a very special person. An internet stranger who will soon come to know you better than your own best friend. She is someone who shares your fears and worries, who is just as anxious to test as you are. Just as impatient. Just as reluctant. There are times she wants to be told sweet optimistic lies. And others, when she wants nothing but the honest truth. For me, by the end, my cycle buddies were more important to the process - by cheering me on, by keeping me focused, by not letting me quit - then everything else combined. Better than doctors. Better than even my own husband. I owed my infertility to PCOS and endo. I owe my children to miracles, science and to my cycle buddies.

HOW TO FIND CYCLE BUDDIES 101

Step 1. Create a new thread in this room. Introduce yourself. Be descriptive. Always include length of cycle and when you are expecting AF. Example: "Hi I'm Kathy. A school teacher in NYC. I'm TTC #1. This is my sixth cycle. I use OPKs and chart. I have 32 day cycles and am expecting AF August 17th."

Step 2. If you read someone's description that matches your cycle, respond to them directly and ask to be cycle buddies by sharing a bit about yourself. If no one matches you, then go to Step 1 and introduce yourself.

Step 3. Check back periodically to see if you match with any new people.

Step 4. Not all cycle buddies work out. Be willing to try it with a few different people. Sometimes the best buddy is not the person who best matches your cycle, but best matches your worries.

Step 5. You can then either stay in your buddy thread in this room - or have one member of your group create a Private Group - just for you and your cycle buddies.

Thank you and I hope each of you has a chance to experience the support that I did with my buddies (back in the day.)

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Cycle buddy threads/groups that contain specific names and have been in existence for a while (have 100+ comments) are sacred. Please do not jump in unless specifically asked to join. We really appreciate your cooperation on this. There will always be plenty of ways to make your own cycle buddies.Thank you!