For me, I think there are many types of support.

A simple hug & I care.....shows that they are there & have read (or in the case of my long winded posts) or have attempted to read the post & understand & care where I'm struggling.

Words with similar experiences that help me see how others have handled similar situations is also very helpful.

Peoples thoughts on my thinking....both in agreement & those that have other thoughts are very welcome....because I really like to see other points of views. I don't like to get stuck in only my way of thinking & the possibilities are endless.

I appreciate information......when I need to know something & not sure where to find the answers....even with google, sometimes there is hidden information that isn't all that obvious to find. Information from ones own personal experiences is so valuable....I am good at making mistakes....but I would rather learn from someone elses mistakes so I can save myself some level of struggle if at all possible.

I think the most important thing however....especially when we are feeling down on ourselves is ENCOURAGEMENT to get out of those negative feelings & words that will help one see that these negative feelings may be the reality of how we are feeling, but they aren't the reality of what we really are.

Sometimes it's just nice to hear that what we are doing is the right thing in other peoples opinions.....gives you that warm tummy feeling that you have actually chosen the right thing to do or thought for a change.

In summary, I think that supportive posting comes from ones heart & not from anger or frustration.......posting with the goal of helping the person either deal with the situation, feel better about something, providing insight that you have from your own experiences, encouraging them with where they are.

The tough situation is when they are walking a path of destruction & need help but don't want to hear that they are wrong or hear suggestions of what they might do to help themselves. Providing constructive post in that case is tough & when you feel in your heart that is what you need to do....it takes time to put that type of post together & make sure the wording isn't attacking, but presented in a way that is helpful, not hurtful. I find that if the words just don't come together in a situation like that....it's better to just back off & let it go. There may be a time in the future when the right words will come together.....that's just not something to push if it isn't working & it's important to know & sense these things when posting.

I appreciate this post because it allows us to gain insight into the people posting here as to where their thoughts are regarding posting.

Debbie