Do we scare people off the forums? Wow! I started to filter through some of this and decided it wasn't going to be pleasant, so I'll just comment on what I feel right now and save myself from reading a lot of disturbing interchanges.
I look at this place the same as I look at any public place. And being in a public place, I would assume that a certain amount of social respect should be offered. Personally, I tend to shy away from confrontation, at least when it comes to recreation. Some may find it entertaining...I do not. That's my choice. I can tell when a thread is beginning to head downhill (so to speak) and can exit gracefully. Newbies, on the other hand, might be intimidated.
I'm here quite often, and always enjoy the time I spend here. I don't always participate. I feel that a person does not have to join in a conversation to enjoy or benefit from it. But when a person does make a comment or share an opinion, I think it should be acknowledged by someone so the person making the offering feels as though he was heard. Even a simple "thumbs up" will suffice.
I don't believe that the subject or "chit-chat" should be limited because this is a forum after all. There should be something here for everybody and people should learn to accept that. There are plenty of threads to frequent and no one should feel left out.
Try to think of this as mingling at a social gathering. People group up according to their interests. Newcomers should be greeted and included in the groups they choose. Flutter from group to group and get to know people. Listen to their debates, add a few of your own comments, participate in some idle chit-chat, but above all...respect them as individuals.
I'd better sign off on this now. I'm beginning to ramble on. Take care all and enjoy your time here.
It's always good to look at a situation from the other person's point of view. "Walk a mile in my shoes" isn't just a catchy song verse. Either that, or start hiding the sharp knives before you go to bed!
You can usually tell when someone likes you when they stomp on your toes and stuff your hat full of snow. That's why I'm a little shy when it comes to dating.
Its nice that you could join us! You will see that this place is full of fun and interesting things. The people here are great and a pleasure to spend time with. I think you will fit in quite well.
Hello Midnight. I'm very sorry to hear about your cat. I've had many cats and dogs in my life and have lost each one after a long companionship. You never forget them, but the sadness is eventually replaced with happy memories. Take some time to grieve and then get yourself a new kitten, not to replace, but to add to the special times you had with your lost friend.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for providing me with hours of entertainment when I need them most. Some of you are friends, some are acquaintances, and some I've never addressed, but you all are important and have a place in my life.
Oh, that's what it means! Sorry, I've been out of circulation for some time. But I was close in my guess. With that said, I'll back out of this conversation and let it take its course.
I prefer to look to the future with hope. Each generation has dealt with problems that looked daunting and disastrous, but each has managed to cope and even advance in the face of adversity.
As individuals, we can either give up and quit trying or look for things that we can do to make this world a better place. You must dream your dreams and then strive to make them come true.
With each day that passes, good things are happening. People are waking up and taking responsibility for their actions. If we wait for others to solve the problems, we may be waiting for quite some time.
The future is up to you. Its your future, do with it what you will. But remember to quit blaming others until you have done everything in your power to correct the errors that you make every day. I think we all fall short in that department.
But, as in past generations, I believe we will face our problems and find the answers we need. It all starts with hope. That we can all do.
You can have many types of friends. Each one fills a void and has its own place in your life.
And you must admit that our friends online have kept us company at times when others were not available.
I personally can see no difference between having a friend a mile away or having one a world away. You will always long for their human presence, but that is not always possible. So if I send an email to a friend across town, why is that different than sending one across the country or even across the world?
I can't see limiting myself to having friendships with only people that I can socialize with in person. In my case, there are not a whole lot of people to pick from if I insist upon physical presence.
Well, Riya, my experiences have come on an individual level. I find it inconsequential as to on what soil these experiences occur. I refuse to classify any country based on their religious majority. The cities around this modern day world are all very diverse and give ample opportunity to test a person's ability to accept and relish the differences they present. Politics and national boundaries are for the news. I prefer to live my life on a much more intimate level.
I've had experiences with people from all over the world, but have never gotten to the point of discussing religion. All I know for sure is that if you direct your attention to their country of origin or their religion, you are missing out on getting to know them as a person. I find that if I treat someone with respect and show an honest interest in them personally, I am always treated the same in return.
Of course, I may have been lucky enough not have run into an extremist of any culture, but can only imagine what a tortured life they must lead, what limitations they must endure, and how lonely they must feel in a world of diversity.
Religion and culture are important, but without personal interaction I find them rather insignificant.
Diets are fine, I guess. But I think that you seriously need to change your lifestyle if you are to maintain a healthy weight. If the calories in match the calories out, you maintain weight.
In order to lose weight, your calories out must exceed your calories in...and, in order to have a healthy lifestyle, exercise rears its ugly head. You cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle without it.
Please don't get me wrong, I struggle with weight issues myself. The difference between me now and me then is that I have changed my lifestyle a little at a time for the better. These must be permanent changes. This takes longer, but it also shows results that last.
So, try the fancy diets to lose weight, but don't forget about maintenance. Diet is not the key word, its lifestyle.
Thank you Skeptikos! As an American, I shall now endeavor to expand the realm of my musical appreciation...Post haste! I shall forever be grateful, for surely you have opened my eyes!
I've been in and out a lot lately myself. Good to see you again Curly, and everyone else, too. And seeing as how supper is near, I just may be disappearing again!
totallytopside Forum Posts (524)
RE: Do we scare people off the forums ??
Thanks Lorraine!