I think I mentioned this somewhere else, but I've been on several support boards where the overwhelming content seems to be nothing more than issuing hugs and whining about problems.

Of course hugs are important, and venting is necessary as a part of our healing. But as with everything else it is a matter of balance.

Hopelessness is such an overwhelming problem with our diseases that getting stuck in venting and whining perpetuates the illness, whereas a balance of venting and listening can relieve some steam, which is necessary because in the "outside world" people don't understand. Here we can vent among people who understand, and can also take the opportunity to listen and move on.

I just wanted to point out that I feel that most people here are looking for that balance and looking for others to achieve that balance. Because the overall wish is to share our improvements with others and to help them to improve, to me that makes the hugs and comments very meaningful instead of shallow and enabling.

I'm not disagreeing with you Fuzzybear, quite the opposite I am agreeing with you. Just wanted to express my appreciation for people like you and heather and septmorn and ozzie and bptoo and Lady Dragus and Kris and etc etc etc who have made this place helpful and comfortable for me. And I hope I can give back when I am able.

Thank you all.

{{{{{{{{{{{bighugforeveryone}}}}}}}}}}}

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
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