Yes, I do think the key is trying to be tactful and not to put other people down. I acknowledge that this forum is new to me--as is any Internet site such as this one. I am new to the Internet world. Why, I participated in my first "live chat" only just recently. My sons think there might be hope that one day I will be comfortable in the 21st century!

As I joked (and I am wont to do that--I actually do laugh freely and often, especially when I'm manic), as bipolars, our moods by definition do change more frequently than the moods of non-bipolars. I can't say that in a manic moment, I won't post solely humorously. We all do need to accept our diagnosis and to at least be able to joke amongst ourselves about it.

I also agree that people do need, to some extent, to find their "niche" in a community such as this one. Even people with "mental labels" vary in our personality manifestations and our interests. Accordingly, I am seeking out and have found some like-minded souls, and I hope to continue to do so.

Thank you for providing the link to the guidelines. I think I have read everything, but I will look at it to see if I have indeed missed something.

I did make this thread an open address, because I am not the only person who was feeling the same way that I was, so I think it was rightly something to address to the entire community. I will try to always be mindful of when something is just a personal issue and, if so, be discreet in having it addressed. I am generally a relatively mild-mannered person and certainly hope that I will never be predisposed to verbal fistfights in an open forum.

Again, I do appreciate this site and the benefits that it offers. My hope, certainly, is that I am doing some good in my efforts to contribute. Thanks for taking me seriously (!) I will try to continue to hone my skills in negotiating the Internet world!

Cordially,

Number 1 Pain (Getting an idea where my moniker came from?)