Myzen, I've read and re-read your response to me and I'm not certain that we are understanding each other. Maybe I wasn't clear when I spoke of the "announcer." Not ALL "announcers" are game players and certainly NOT you. But like I said, SOME get in the bad habit of announcing they are either leaving or taking a break and don't mean it. They know it's a way to get several responses begging them not to do it and it satisfies their egos... until the next time. And so it continues.

It is understood perfectly that most of us at one time or another need to step back from what goes on in this community because of our own illness. I've needed some time away myself. We use our time away constructively, but there are some that use US and OUR illnesses to satisfy their own needs never realizing or caring that some may suffer from the Abandonment and/or Separation that is felt. Fortunately... or UNfortunately, I've come to know when someone is about to "need a break." That's something you say has caused you problems. Speaking personally, from me to you, it has never been my intention to behave in a patronizing manner with this happens... and I'm sure I haven't done it with you. However it is that you do it, it doesn't come across as "GIVE ME ATTENTION!!" You come and go naturally. You do it with respect for yourself as well as respect for others.

Maybe I've made myself a bit more clear this time.