[Fuzzybear]

I have only seriously thought of leaving here a couple of times, but a few people I know told me recently that they often think of leaving the board they post on, because of feelings of not belonging, conflicts, other people leaving etc. Do you knowledgeable and excellent people think that this is a common phenomenon? How can we improve things here so that people are less likely to leave, unless, of course, they leave when they are truly happy. Maybe we can cut down on the "leaving" and "call out" posts then too, as if they keep occurring I know they irritate some people.....

I still think this is one of the best sites there is though. I might be quiet for a while, but although I will probably be in my (deeper) hole still, I will be watching over you, and thinking about you all.

Sorry for all the "bear" questions.

Take care,
Fuzzy

[DocJohn]

Everyone feels like they need to leave a group sometime, if they are an active participant in it. Whether it's an online support community like this, or a professional networking group, or even a hobbyist group. We all feel burned out by the group's issues, dealing with specific people we might not get along with, and just seeing a lot of similar topics come up over and over again.

This is normal. It means you're reacting to the online community in a healthy way.

Typically what I (and many others) do when we feel this way is to simply take a break. You can announce it, but if you do, stick to your plans to take the break. You can also choose just to do it quietly (which is easier for many folks). Taking a break is a healthy way to reconnect with your own needs and putting things in perspective.

Especially if you find yourself posting that you're leaving time and time again, that's a good sign that it may be time for a break. One part of you clearly wants to get away for awhile, and there's nothing wrong with that. I'd suggest listening to that part, and take a break for awhile. Come back in a week or however long feels right for you. Everyone will still be here. You'll be missed, but it's often for the best. (Heck, I do it all the time, here and many other places online!)

Best,
DocJohn

[Serenity]

I couldn't agree more. Along with what Doc John pointed out I'd also liek to add from my own opinion...emotions sometimes get the best of us as well. We are all human here and dealing with alot of our own issues. We come here for comfort and support. How we react to something and what we need to do is a personal call.
Serenity

[SeptemberMorn]

You got that right, Jenn! We have the choice to make whether we are going to let things bother us or not. Like I said before, "You can't please all of the people all of the time." Others have to accept responsibility for how they take things. We can't always be responsible for how others perceive something we say.

Fuzzy, I know you want to make everybody happy but it can't be done. If we stopped posting "shout outs" and stuff like that, then some people would get upset over that! See?

The best we can do is be ourselves. If things get too much for us, then we either need to take a break or stop responding to those that annoy or hurt us. Yeah... you're probably thinking I'm a fine one to talk. Weeelllll? There are times when you just gotta speak up, ya know?

We have a difference of opinion here, but I still love ya!!



He's making a list and checking it twice...

[Fuzzybear]

Well, I have been told by someone important to come back here and post, and I think they are right.

Thanks for your replies, especially Doc John, you talk a lot of sense and thank you for taking the time to reply to this bear!

Take care,
Fuzzy