[Marie5656]

Well, I have done alot of reflecting over the past few days, and to be honest I am really dissappointed.

I am making these coments here so that my thoughts do not turn into a public shooting gallery.

I am feeling the need to maybe just step back and observe for a while. I am totally upset by what I have been reading here over the last week or so. Petty fighting, back stabbing, ganging up on new members, causing them to go on the defensive and, basically fight back. Then everyone gets up in arms because they have fought back, or gotten upset, or left.

We are supposedly all adults here, at least chronologically. Emotionally, and behaviorally I am not sure. I am reminded of what things were like in high school. One person decides not to like someone, for whatever reason..and all thier friends join in, even if they barely know the person, or do not know why they are supposed to not like the person..except that the "popular kids" don't like them.

OK, I see that Jives has crossed paths with many here..and with his words has gotten people upset with him.

So, he takes some time off, seeing he is not wanted here. When he comes back, hat in hand, willing to start fresh, what happens? He is attacked again. What are his offences this time...My God..he has dared to go into BR's thread, acknowledge they have not gotten on well, and in an attempt to make ammends with her, he gives her some kind words and wishes hr well. THEN he gets blasted for being a man, and acknowledging someones pain.

Next, the man dares to have a birthday, and some here choose to wish him well, to which he graciously expresses his thanks, and leaves. Only to be blasted again!!

Then another newbie comes, BDS, and is automatically made to feel like a second class citizen for appearing to be someone else. Even though it was proven he was not. OK, when he took time off, and came back, he was less that gracious, and that did not make me happy, and I said so. But give me a break.
What is wrong with you. I think I do need to step back awhile. And before you blame Jives for yet another casuality..don't. It is not him. But those of you who continue to blast him, nail him to a cross and show your true colors. Even when he has currently done nothing wrong.

NOMAD...you are among those who have dissappointed me. So you can take partial blame for my deciding to take a break.

So, read this, think what you want, but please no public displays of outrage at others till you look at yourselves. Remember, whenever you point a finger at someone, there are three fingers pointing back at you!! Many of the "old timers" here are just as responsible for people leaving, by virtue of thier behavior.

I deal with pettiness, and arguing enough in the real world. I come here to get away from it, not to be subjected to more of the same.