I'm on a financial/stock trading board in addition to this one. I've said this before; but it is a mean spirted and nasty, nasty place! The long term, experienced traders would chew me up and spit me out(been there 3 years). They called me mean names like hog, trailer trash and took my name (greenjeans) and turned it into a four letter word.

I was devistated and left the computer many times in tears. I ended up getting in with the wrong crowd for self preservation. I could not understand why the 'in' group didn't like me.

One day, talk of the war came up and I showed my support for the Marines. Thats when MY group turned on me. Many other things took place in addition to this, but then I was alone, humiliated, attacked endlessly....by both sides.

So I stopped writing for months and months. However, I own this stock, and felt I was entitled to write too. I eventually went back on, and much to my surprise, the 'in' group brougt me in under their wing, or protection. Now I have built relationships with that group, and they love me. Who would have known???!!! The very group that hated me before, now thinks I'm 'all that'!

Now my old 'friends' harrass, humiliate and say the meanest things about me. Even this past weekend!! My NEW friends, attack back to protect me! I zipped on a thick skin, and see very clearly now what and why this all took place. The story too long to share here.

I no longer cry over what the other group says, I enjoy seeing the new group attack back on my account, and I learned that FRIENDSHIPS ARE HARD FOUGHT AND HARD WON on MB.

The fact is, people on MB can and do look for your weakness, and because they can hide in there little computer world, they feel no guilt when they hurt someone. They don't care!

I guess the moral to the story is that you must choose friends wisely, look for clues that they may not be the friend you think they are, and be prepared to protect yourself FIRST. You will make new friends on the internet, and this lesson you've learned is probably a blessing....they were not real friends to begin with! They just enjoyed having control of their circle and when you tried to bring others in, you became a threat. The "leader" didn't like it, and thus to put you in your 'place'...they dumped you.

I'm sorry that happened! It happens all the time....I'm sure you really did do nothing wrong...and the problem is with them, not you!!

Also, God is not punishing you! We feel that way sometimes, but if we would learn to LISTEN to him...he would lead us away from the bad stuff....we choose our own path and face the reprecussions!

Sounds like your children have alot of growing up to do. I had to stop caring so much for my then 16-17 year old as she was crazy mean to me for no reason at that time. She is now 19 and worships the groud I walk on! Sometimes, you have to give tough love to get real love back....a hard road, but possible!

I hope you feel better soon. I may have over shared here....but I always feel better when I see that someone out there has gone thru similar things....and I can relate to it. The good news is that time heals and you will be a stronger and smarter person either as a Mother, Board Member, or in prayer.