We call it blending too - it feels a lot safer to our system.
Right now, we have done a great deal of blending memories and emotions.
It is cool to blend because it is like you get to all be out all at the same time!!
And you have to know how to be nice to the other alters because they also deserve respect. So everyone gets to "speak in their quiet voice" and everyone else still listens to them. And the host gets to have the final word on what will happen. It is cool when the host is grown up and lets us alters stay younger too. We like that a lot and it makes us feel safe finally !!! YIPPIE!!! It is kinda like very cool now - but it was very scary at first because no one knew what to expect. You don't all have to blend at the same time. Andy still thinks he is separate but that is ok. We all love him anyway :-)