Six Degrees

I have always been dubious of the Six Degrees of Separation theory. It has always seemed to me to be just a little too neat. But as of now I have to revise my opinion.

The reason for this reassessment of my position is down to Facebook (other social networking sites are available) and runs thus:

• I have a connection on Facebook with an antiques dealer in San Diego - I don't know him. 
• We linked up through an art dealer in Salt Lake City - who I also don't know. 
• Who knows a poster dealer in the Sweden - who I do.
• The other evening the Arts Dealer posted something on his wall to which I replied. Someone from his circle of friends posted something back, with a remark for me, and we got into conversation. This chap is back here in the UK and lives just a mile or so down the road. Given his interests and location it is almost certain that we have either a friend in common, or that he and his family have at some time come and seen a show where I work. I may even have met him.

But all this means that there is a problem. Apparently I can't count myself in this chain - which makes sense I guess - so the chain is either to short and the world far smaller than we thought, or two steps of my chain are unaccounted for.

It would be interesting to know which it is.