Hi Simon -- I don't know you, because I went away from the Forums for more than a year, perhaps more like a year and a half or more. I went away because of feelings like yours.

I felt that feeling of walking on eggshells, of dreading logging on. I also thought I was spending too much time here, becoming too dependent. It was hard to stop coming and having a peek, but I was determined to have a time out.

It was good for me to branch out and have new interests. Now I've come back, because I genuinely like a number of people here, and because I had questions I didn't think fit with another online discussion that is a home for me.

I agree with Alexandra's post. I'm sure you will do whatever is best for you. I think you will find that people will like and accept you even if you go away for a while -- or if you decide to stay. I expect quite a few of us can relate to your feelings.