[BlueSoup]

I am going nuts...
I'm a lurker, it took 3 months of just reading before I actually joined this site. Now that I'm a member I feel like I can't read anything without posting something in support. I sit there and panic on what I'm going to write, if it's the right thing, if i'm going to hurt someones feelings...and so on. I spend time writing erasing, writing erasing, writing erasing, and then give up. Exit the thread, freak out because now they know I read there post and didn't say anything. How insensitive, rude, mean I am blah blah.

If I do end up posting then I check the thread, check the thread, check the thread, just to make sure I didn't say anything unkind or rude.

I joined because I really do want to post and get to know all the people I've been reading about for so long.

It sucks...makes me want to log out and go back to reading and being invisible

[unaluna]

We're all just vibrating masses of electrons anyway...

[CrimsonBlues]

Hello BlueSoup-I can empathize with everything you wrote. I too worry about what I've written-is it going to be considered in a negative way, will it be coherent, will it be interesting, will anyone care, will anyone actually see me, see my post? I am also thinking that I should go back to my hole-in fact, I think that is just what I'm going to do now. But I wanted to let you know that I think your post was open and honest and I appreciate it. I'm sorry that you are struggling with such painful self-doubt-I understand that feeling so well. I hope that you will continue to post on the forum, I am certain that people will welcome your insights and viewpoints. Your thoughts, feelings and words have just as much value as anyone else. I wish you all the best.

[FrayedEnds]

Hi BlueSoup
I can totally relate! I feel the exact same way if I post something. But I think I have you beat with the lurking status. I've been here for YEARS and still barely post.

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((( BlueSoup ))))))))))
I empathise... Words can be so hard

[A Red Panda]

Oh I get it! Even though I get it, sometimes I leave pretty abrupt or tough messages to people... but it's actually because I think that's the best way to be supportive of them. Other posts I make are totally not like that.

As you get to know some people, you'll hopefully get more comfortable posting in response to them! Like.. there are some posters here who I tend to have a similar mindset to - so if I see the posts they're making in a thread, I'll usually feel more comfortable/confident with saying what I want to say.

Sometimes it helps to read a post, and then not respond for a few hours or a day. Then you can think about things a bit more and can really settle on what you wish to say - if anything at all! I tend to leave a hug if I'm at a loss for words or can't think of something helpful.

[gayleggg]

I often write and rewrite my posts. I try to be kind and considerate but sometimes get a little more straight forward if I think it's needed. I'm sure you will do fine. As A Red Panda said it gets easier as you get to know people. Glad to have you here.

[BlueSoup]

Thanks guys!

my mind hates me sometimes and works against what I would like to think and do sometimes it really sucks and sometimes it frustrates the hell out of me. Like wanting to slam my laptop shut and trow it frustrating.

I'm finding that the chat rooms are a lot less pressure, so I am enjoying those. I think I need to take a break from the forums. Log out and keep reading.

y'all that are having posting woes should try the chat rooms, I've met some really nice people in there...it's kind of like a little party

I find it hard to reply to posts at times and when I do I am constantly checking what I write.

[growlycat]

Welcome!

That's what the hugs and thanks buttons are for
no need to respond any more than you want to

[IndieVisible]

Don't worry BlueSoup if you put that much thought in your posts you prolly will never offend any one and if you do we have the mods to let us know. They have me on speed dial

And it's ok to disagree! We are all in the same boat here.