Making the most of our PC experience

PC is a large community with many unique individuals participating it its fuction and success. Being that, it's going to be a *rare* instance when *everyone* agrees on every point on each thread within all forums...leading to my point that it's natural to assume there are going to be disagreements (sometimes heated ones on sensitive issues).

When disagreements happen please consider a few things...we have complete control regarding our reactions and how we manage them, we have complete control in avoiding a topic or person that might take away from our experience here, and we have a responsibility to exercise these.

If we disagree with someone, it's fine to state that so long as it's stated without accusation and flame. We've had many good debates here and I've learned alot...when the debate/disagreement carries a mutual respect by all involved. If you feel too angry, upset, triggered, etc. to respond within the guidelines, save the post you wish to make to your computer, move on to other threads or step away from the computer or something, then come back an hour or so later and re-read what you wanted to submit and check it to see if it's within the guidelines. That's our individual responsibility, but also something we can expect in return.

If a thread pushes all the wrong buttons for us, it might be better to avoid it. If a member here pushes all the wrong buttons for us, it might be best to ignore that member and their posts until we feel ok with them.

Not only do we gain SOOOO much from PC in that we can find support, relation, information, care and so much more here, we have a responsibility as a member to insure we treat every other member here with respect. If we feel we can't do that, it might be best to avoid any situation that keeps us from gaining the self-help we come here for.

Please remember to keep posts supportive and within the guidelines. If we suspect a post might not be, please wait a bit, then re-read it and edit it accordingly.

Let's be kind to one another. If someone is unkind, put them on ignore, then contact a mod/admin, and continue to gain what is needed.

In saying that we have control, I'm referring to the wonderful tools that have been given us here to utilize for our own self-care. Only we can control that usage and making them work for us.

Ultimately our PC experience is at our own fingertips for the most part.

KD

I want to add...

I know we don't have control over that initial "read" or "upset". There are times we read a post and couldn't expect to read what's there, etc. There's little we can do about that. Mods/admins try to keep posts within guidelines, with trigger icons, etc. However, it's going to happen. I understand that.

I do feel that most of the time, alot of what happens after that we've been given some really great tools to "work it" from there.

KD

Thanks Kimmy.

Great advice.

Just thought I'd pop this to the top so it won't get burried.



This issue comes up so often here that maybe its time to copy and pin this to the top of every message board area?

Thanks KimmyDawn..... ((( hugs )))

My PROMISE to PC:

To extend ACCEPTANCE for all that come here seeking help..... To listen without JUDGEMENT.... To leave my HARSHNESS at the door.... and While I may not agree with every word I see I shall never condemn another feelings.... But most of all - I promise to walk a mental mile in your shoes before I reply.

> > > > > > I shall THINK before I ANSWER! - (no hurt will leave my lips)

LoVe,
Rhapsody -