NwMtGardener
Garden Addicted
Thistle, i agree - this is an exceptional and compassionate group, more so than most other forums, i would say.
I will admit, i'm a more trusting person, and more open, than maybe i should be. I dont know, perhaps it has something to do with my age...growing up with the internet. I was on chat rooms in the early 90s, and even safely (in the company of my roomate and in public places) met some of my internet friends in person. I dont advertise my address or phone number, but i do consider it public knowledge, since that's something that anyone who has my whole name could look up in a phone book or online. It's a unique way to friendship - online. You're getting to know someone's thoughts and feelings and personality without any of the hang ups that can come from meeting someone face to face. We dont usually know what others here are wearing, or what color their skin or hair are, or what kind of car they drive... Also - think about the state of mind when you come to chat online. Probably have a few extra minutes, somewhat relaxed, not worried about what the other people you're talking to are going to think about what YOU'RE wearing... So, would you think that might mean you have a more open state of mind? More ready to take in new ideas? On some forums i'm sure all those factors allow people to be anonymous jerks. But here on TEG we have the best of both worlds - we're a small community that expects RESPECT and will hold others to that standard, as well as being somewhat hidden - being able to chat in our flannel pajamas and ratty bunny slippers (no that is not what i'm wearing right now!
)
Boy, i'm really rambling tonight!! Oh - just thought of another huge advantage to online friends and chatting - ya'll can ignore me, not even read my blah blah blah, and i wont even know! Imagine if we were sitting face to face, your eyes would be rolling into the back of your head by now, and i'd be pissed because my friend wasnt listening to all my deepest darkest thoughts and feelings.
I will admit, i'm a more trusting person, and more open, than maybe i should be. I dont know, perhaps it has something to do with my age...growing up with the internet. I was on chat rooms in the early 90s, and even safely (in the company of my roomate and in public places) met some of my internet friends in person. I dont advertise my address or phone number, but i do consider it public knowledge, since that's something that anyone who has my whole name could look up in a phone book or online. It's a unique way to friendship - online. You're getting to know someone's thoughts and feelings and personality without any of the hang ups that can come from meeting someone face to face. We dont usually know what others here are wearing, or what color their skin or hair are, or what kind of car they drive... Also - think about the state of mind when you come to chat online. Probably have a few extra minutes, somewhat relaxed, not worried about what the other people you're talking to are going to think about what YOU'RE wearing... So, would you think that might mean you have a more open state of mind? More ready to take in new ideas? On some forums i'm sure all those factors allow people to be anonymous jerks. But here on TEG we have the best of both worlds - we're a small community that expects RESPECT and will hold others to that standard, as well as being somewhat hidden - being able to chat in our flannel pajamas and ratty bunny slippers (no that is not what i'm wearing right now!

Boy, i'm really rambling tonight!! Oh - just thought of another huge advantage to online friends and chatting - ya'll can ignore me, not even read my blah blah blah, and i wont even know! Imagine if we were sitting face to face, your eyes would be rolling into the back of your head by now, and i'd be pissed because my friend wasnt listening to all my deepest darkest thoughts and feelings.
