chammont

So this whole following thing, what does it mean to people for someone to follow them and for them to follow someone else? I haven't been blogging long but a few people have put me in their follow list so I go to their profile to see who they are, what kind of person they are, blah blah blah. When I do I usually see a bunch of posts with people thanking that person for following them. So I'm wondering what are the reasons people follow other people and in particular if being followed has some benefit like helping someone go pink. For me I'd like to only put people on my follow list that I will take a real interest in and actually follow. If I end up with a 100+ on my follow list there's no way I could keep up with what they're up to. Also I don't like the idea of following someone just because they put me on their follow list. But if it's customary to follow those who chose to follow me then I don't want to be an ass and not follow them. Also if there's a reason for following someone like helping them go pink then I'd be more likely to follow them. But if I don't follow someone that is following me what kind of message am I sending to them. Aside from seeming like an ass I also don't want anyone to feel rejected in some way or take it personal. So to anyone who's willing I'd love to hear your views. And not just about my dilemma but also the question I started with. Thanks