[10yrsgone]

(Apologies if this is in the wrong forum --- if it is, please move it).

Sometimes I feel I put too much personal information into my posts here or say too much. I think it's just a byproduct of my overthinking and I end up feeling embarrassed at the end of the day.

I am aware these forums often get many lurkers and I don't know what they'll think. Sometimes I don't think I give the best advice and I really can't help people as much as I'd like to, and I often make references to my own life, but I never want to make what I post about me --- I truly mean well and would love to give detailed, helpful answers in chats, PM's or posts but I either keep silent, b.s. my way through with cliched answers or end up saying "sorry, I don't know how to answer".

I understand how sensitive and silly this may sound but baring a part of myself on such a public forum takes a lot out of me. I try not to talk a lot about my truly personal matters in case someone I knew either online or in person were to stumble upon this forum. Even posting that I'm attending the Anime North convention as my current status kind of makes me nervous.

I really like this place and would love to continue posting. It's just hard for me to truly express myself sometimes, and I almost worry my big mouth will eventually get me in trouble. I only hope I can deal with the potential feelings of embarrassment I may get for putting myself out there. I feel the same way on places like dating sites, though those are much different, far less private environments than these.

In spite of this, I am working on improving my confidence and dealing with these feelings as they arise, but even that can't stop my propensity for overthinking every word.

Thanks to those who've read.

[ensconce]

Its okay, just be yourself. We are all here to help each other. Just be yourself.

Originally Posted by 10yrsgone

Sometimes I feel I put too much personal information into my posts here or say too much. I think it's just a byproduct of my overthinking and I end up feeling embarrassed at the end of the day.

That's "good overthinking", in my opinion. However, you have to use that "good overthinking" before you post, not after. It's better to think of the consequences of exposing yourself, and stop just before you do so.

You want to feel good and relieve your symptoms, and if posting on PC makes you feel anxious, then this is not working for you.

Re-read what you wrote, change or delete things that makes you feel anxious, or just refrain from posting altogether, if your own words make you feel uneasy for whatever reason. That's what I (try to) do.

Originally Posted by 10yrsgone

I am aware these forums often get many lurkers and I don't know what they'll think. Sometimes I don't think I give the best advice and I really can't help people as much as I'd like to, and I often make references to my own life, but I never want to make what I post about me --- I truly mean well and would love to give detailed, helpful answers in chats, PM's or posts but I either keep silent, b.s. my way through with cliched answers or end up saying "sorry, I don't know how to answer".

I don't mean to sound dramatic, but this is the Internet, and you're right to assume the worst about whoever ends up reading what we write.

I don't believe for a second that PC is a "safe place", but as long as you manage to ommit as much personal information as possible, I think you'll be just fine.

Oh, and if I were you I'd remove that status, although I don't think anyone could tell you apart from thousands of people that are probably going to attend that event. But I think that if it raises your anxiety levels, maybe you sould just change it.

Originally Posted by 10yrsgone

I really like this place and would love to continue posting. It's just hard for me to truly express myself sometimes, and I almost worry my big mouth will eventually get me in trouble. I only hope I can deal with the potential feelings of embarrassment I may get for putting myself out there. I feel the same way on places like dating sites, though those are much different, far less private environments than these.

I know how it feels. I hope you can find ways to participate without compromising your anonimity, without it making you feel uncomfortable with what you wrote.

Good luck!

[possum220]

I get where you are coming from. Over my time in this lovely place, I have been trying my best to encourage others but have found that on many occasions I have fretted over my words. When words are written it is hard convey the range of emotions that accompany the thoughts. It not easy as 95% of what we are trying to say is non verbal. So much easier when you can see a person when they are speaking. It's easy to see them smile, frown, cry or nod their head in agreement or disagreement.

Please keep on posting. It will get better. (I had more to say but I over thought it. ).