I wasn't going to post in this thread, but I decided to share since I've spent plenty of time in the chatrooms. I'm a HUGE multitasker when I'm online. I can't help it...I don't think I'm ADD but sometimes I wonder when it comes to the internet.

A lot of times when I go into chat, a discussion was already started in a thread or in PM's that I can't step away from, but I still want to say hi in chat. Sometimes my phone rings and I think it'll be a minute but it turns into an hour. One time recently, my cat got a hold of a gecko in the apartment and it was grossing me out, so I was sporadically in chat. Other times, someone is in the room who needs to talk about something only I know, or the other way around, so we talk in private. I always have the tv on because I hate quiet, and sometimes something catches my attention and I tune away from the computer for 5 minutes.

I don't do these things intentionally. Sometimes I go into the room because I'm lonely and want to feel connected, but I have nothing to add to conversation. But I know people are there and feel like I have company.

I sometimes feel left out when I see people in a private room and its password protected and I can't get in. But I totally understand the occassional need to be surrounded by people I know, who know me. I've done the private room thing before when I've needed to talk to a select few. Again, its not meant to be purposely offending, its just the need at the time.

The chatrooms ebb and flow. I've noticed that a lot in my time here. There have been times when I've been in chat for weeks at a time, and other times, like lately, where I haven't been. For me, it all boils down to my need. Sometimes I need to laugh and be silly in chat, especially if I'm already depressed, if the topics are down to me, I don't stay.

For me, I have to remember that everyone here has a lot of issues that don't come out on PC, not to everyone. Everyone here has their own sets of needs. I try not to take it personally, and when I do, I step away. Thats just how I have to do it, for my own sanity.