I don't either so you and I have something in common.

Yea, I have been on site where people deliberately make friends with you, get you to talk then gossip about you behind your back. On one site it's just one continous Brawl over there. I DO get caught up in it too and I can FEEL my blood pressure going up so I have to throw up my hands and say ENOUGH!!! And leave. A little heated discussion now and then is ok but the insults and innuendo and downright nastiness sometimes makes me SICK!!! I was there everyday but now I am on a break.

This CyberLife we have really can and does affect you. These are REAL people behind these words. I have got myself into situations I never would have believed could happen online. And I mean JUST online. No other contact.

I am so very sorry to read that you are feeling lonely. I think this is an all too common problem in our society. I think having the internet helps a little with this...so perhaps it is a good and wise thing that you posted here. One thing I do wonder about though is folks who get "too" attached to friendships on the internet, might miss out on "real life" friendships, which are usually more fulfilling.

I am a firm believer in being careful with what we say. I think it is important to watch our "self talk." So, it is probably also a good thing that you went back and edited some of your post. Sometimes we can still express how we feel and be honest, but avoid all the negative stuff that can trail along.

Is there a way that you might get out and meet people one or two days or even partial days a week? Could you volunteer one or two days a week somewhere? Do you have a shut in neighbor that could use some kind of assistance from you one day a week? Could you go to an elementary school and read to the kids one or two days a week?

Although you have your own health concerns to address, you still might be able to help another person in a small way and just getting out consistently and meeting people could be very uplifting for yourself and others.

IF this is totally out of the question at the moment, another thought I had was to just get out of the house and go to the library (read something uplifting) or the park (for some fresh air).

I do hope you feel better soon.

Sometimes the internet fills a void that can't be filled in real life. We get to know each other from the inside out instead of the other way around as in real life. If people have hurt you in the past the internet, I have found, is an alternative to some of the bad things that happen to people in real life. You are safer at home. Older folks tend to be targets out there for crimes and many other things such as bad weather, car problems, falls etc.

Just throwing in my 2 cents.

the people on this forum seem pretty freindly

one of the best sites ive seen
if you feel rejected you should go out and help someone worse off than you

Clouds had a good suggestion. Volunteer or find some way of helping others less fortunate than you - that's a sure fire way of making yourself feel better AND helping someone else at the same time.

Believe me, when you focus your attention on a project that helps others your own problems seem diminished.

Hope you're feeling better today!

I'm so sorry you're going through so much right now. I hope thing improve soon.

I wish I had some advice, but just know there are people here who do care.

Hi crytears!! I just read all the posts here, was lost until I read that you had edited your first post.... But, I just wanted to chime in and say that I hope you feel welcome here.

You have had so much sadness in your life... It just isn't right, but I hope you feel like part of the NeuroTalk family, b/c you are.

I'm sorry if I have missed some of your posts. This place is huge, so please know that this is your home away from home, even if we are just one big CYBER family.
Some members have been fortunate to meet and form personal bonds, which I think is great... But, we can all come here and laugh, cry, vent, and just speak our minds. I find it really helpful esp when I'm down....

Glad to see you are feeling a little better....
take care.....

Yep, there is no doubt people can be mighty mean, particularly if they can get away with it without 'facing' you.

I've read that the internet has brought out a lot of ugliness. Some people say things they would not otherwise say. They feel anonymous and free of responsibility.

Remember that saying though:

"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones!" (And - think of it ...everone lives in a glass house so to speak!)

It is one thing to have an 'opinion' but quite another to force it upon others or indicate that if they don't agree they are bad! You see this on the boards at times. I guess this is a reflection of life, but remember you don't have to take it. Leave before the tears flow.

We are all different, but in many ways we are alike. Most care about having people like us. It's nice though when you can express an opinion (such as not liking a political candidate) and still be able to continue a conversation.

AS hard as it is to deal with, just consider that you don't really 'know' the people you are chatting with. Though you feel strongly that you need that group, I'm sure there are other groups you will find more support from if you search it out.

There are many kind people here.

It is not a good substitute for the real thing though, so if you are able open your heart to volunteering. Children and the elderly are particularly in need of help and love.

Another great idea is to join a book club. Everyone reads the same book and then offers their opinions and take on it. It can be very interesting and stimulate conversation.

Also, realize, that as we get older it does get harder to make good friends. People tend to have old familiar relationships, though those can change also.

I too had to move a lot as a child and I have no lasting friends from my childhood. I doubt we are all that unusual; there are many people who've had to move.

I sure wish you well in finding people to share your ideas and feelings with.

Tootsie