I didn't say nor mean to imply that there was only one "true" way to reply to other people's posts. Our guidelines don't suggest that either.

What they do say is to err on the side of humanity and thoughtfulness in that we ask people to try and be supportive in their replies. That unless you know the OP personally (and most people here don't, since we have so many members), it's probably best to try your best to put your advice in an empathetic tone or construction.

If I see you as offering advice or your perspective out of compassion and caring, I'm far more likely to see it as your trying to help. If, instead, you're brusque and act as if you know me and know the only one right way to respond, behave, or feel in a given situation, I'm far less likely to feel positive about that kind of reply.

Although we're in a text medium here, tone can be inferred from the words and smileys we use. Some people put more thought and time into their responses than others. I think it tends to help the OP when we do take the time to respond in a mindful or thoughtful manner. (But of course, it's so much easier to just throw off a quick reply in this day and age...)

Of course things vary from person to person, OP to OP, and whether you have some sort of acquaintance or relationship with the member. We only act on reported posts here, so if the thread is going fine and everyone seems to be okay with what was said, then it'll never even come to our attention.

In short, no, there's no one "right" way to respond to something. I'm talking more about ways you can ensure your response will not only be published here in the forums, but actually heard and listened to by the OP.