Kathy,

I guess I'm not entirely clear on what you mean. Maybe you can help me to understand.

Is it that you are getting friend requests from people you do not know very well on the forums? Is it that you find this unnerving, and wonder why those people want to be your friend when they don't seem to know you very well yet?

I find that often people will send out a friend request if they read a few posts from a person and tend to agree with them or want to get to know them better than they do. You have the ability though, to refuse those friend requests, and thats well within your right to do so. You also have the ability to PM that person, and ask them "hey - how do we know each other" or say "sorry I only accept friend requests from those I know well". You should not feel badly for doing either of those. You do what you need to to feel safe.

I have to admit I am a little concerned about this thread potentially making people feel that it might be about them. I know that you are generalizing, but I also worry that someone who is sensitive may take to thinking that the thread is about them, when in fact its not. For this reason, it might be a better way to go about finding out if you PM the person, or if you contact admin in the case of someone harassing you or refusing to stop sending requests or whatnot.

I can see why you might feel a little strange getting those friend requests. I think in general they are just a way for people to reach out to each other and connect. You always have the right of refusal however.