Why are so many of us Anonymous now?

Hello All --

I'm curious about why so many of us have gone "anonymous" in our profiles. I did when I was making an effort to spend less time here, but I think it is time for me to change my profile back.

I'm wondering why we want to be anonymous or why some of us choose not.

This is a good question, I myself did it because I was over loaded by a member pming me, but now I will come out of the invisable closet
Angie

Beats me! I've often wondered that myself.

Some of us were never visible online as soon as we became aware of the feature and how to use it.

Takes all kinds I guess.

I happen to be more of the lurking kind and not often up to interactions with ppl who happen to see me as online.........I took care of that by changing my profile to not list me as online.

In my personal experience a few ppl seemed to be upset when I couldn't drop everything and give my attention to them. When they wouldn't or couldn't hear my words saying that I was setting a boundary I then went ahead and turned off most avenues of contact as I do not need that type of interruption and attitude from anyone.

Safety for my own use of these boards as well as protecting my energies.

That's my reason.

I have always been visible as user until lately. I have been very depressed lately and have been feeling invisible in my own life so I figured, why not be invisible here too. Nobody cares anyway, right?

Oh, I wouldn't say, "nobody cares", people here do
It could be that some of us haven't met you yet.
Soooooooooo, I now will say, "welcome to our forums" if you hang around, you will meet some very warm, supportive people. . . even make new friends

BTW
I am "darkeyes" as it shows on the screen, I've been here since May 2001, I've met some very terrific people over the years, and I hope you will too

I stay in the shadows because sometimes I need to just do my thing here without interruptions. I have considered "coming back out" but it's just easier this way.

I care very much Jen. You're a good person. I'm so sorry you're not in a good place right now. BTW, come in out of the rain, you're getting wet. ((((((((((((jmo)))))))))))

Jen I care very much. We haven't had much of a chance to get to know each other yet but I certainly look forward to the opportunity. I hope that you feel better soon. Take care.

I'm invisible because it makes me feel safer. I think at this point though, it's just a fallacy and doesn't make any difference anymore. I never feel safe now.

((((((((((Angel))))))))))

I recently went through a spell where I felt the same way. It's a tough thing to handle but you sure seem to do well. I don't blame you at all for staying invisible. It just makes things easier sometimes.

Ryan

Thanks for the hugs Ryan. Much needed. You think I handle things well? You're definitely thinking of somebody else.

I too was hiding but recently I came out so ya all could see I'm here to give support where needed and to let ppl know I am the mouth that roared,
Angie

I get scared and so I stay invisible.

These replies are interesting. When I was a child, I literally tried to make myself in every situation -- to take up as little space as possible in a room, to stay at the edge, to be very quiet. I even thought of it that way -- making myself invisible.

During women's assertiveness training in the 80s, I learned that women often are like this and learned techniques for not behaving that way in business meetings -- spreading out my materials in front of me, body language, etc.

I look at old home movies of myself as a child trying to be invisible, and it is heart-breaking to see this lovely little girl, later a gawky adolescent on the verge of womanhood, squishing herself into the corners of the room.

I do understand not wanting to be contacted and interrupted, needing time to recoup one's emotional energy -- part of the reason I went anonymous for a spell. I'm not making any judgments one way or another about which way is bad or better.

Each thing serves each of us.

One thing I was told as a newcomer was to PM other people online with "waving." I tried this and it did help me make personal contact with people. The PMs didn't necessarily grow into great online friendships, but the element of personal contact does make things less anonymous. Made me feel less invisible here. Even if one is anonymous oneself, it is still possible to PM others online with a friendly wave if you would like to be less invisible, at least to people of your choice.

Thank for answering everyone who has. This has been very enlightening.

I've been anonymous from the start because I would feel too self conscious if I wasn't.

Also, I've never been a fast typer. In the event someone wanted to ask a question or something, I'd feel pressure if I didn't respond quick enough.

Angel, I was definately thinking of you. You do very well even if you can't see it. You're an awesome part of this community. And I always have a hug for you up my sleeve.

I'm anonymous more for privacy reasons... so people don't know I'm online and what I'm doing.

what are you doing now that you mention it??? Hmmmm sly silver??

yes, do tell.......

I'm anonymous because I am embarrassed about the sheer amount of time I spend here... especially since I don't have any especially prevalent mental health concern at the moment!

(((((((((((EVERYONE)))))))))))

Thank you for your kind words. It really means alot. I dont know what is wrong with me lately. I can't get out of this funk. I'm a depressed blob of crap and anxious ridden. I see my T tomorrow so I plan to unload on her.
In the meantime, I will now change my profile so I am visible once again.
I hope to get to know all of you as well in the future.
Thank you again for your kind words.