On each member's profile page, you'll see the "Add As a Friend" link just under the profile image and basic information about the member. See example image to your left.

You can add members of the community as a friend. You do not have to add friends to participate in the community and you do not have to accept friend requests.

If you choose to add friends or accept friend requests, you are not required to share email addresses to correspond with one another. Instead, you can send private messages to one another through the intra-network mail here on MFN.

To add someone as a friend, search for the user name in the members. You'll find the link for members under the top tab labled "Connect and Share" then click on "Members". Enter their user name in the search box. Click on the person's user name or profile image to go to their profile page. On the profile page, you'll see tools on the left side to add the member as a friend. Once you've added the members as a friend, you can email to one another by clicking the email link.

To read email that you receive in the network, use your Profile Tools Box at the top of the right side column. You'll see email as on of the choices. When you have email message that are unread, you'll see a number next to the word email indicating you have messages to read.

So, make friends if you would like, but you can still keep even your email address private and communicate with one another here in MFN.