Posted by DAisym on August 19, 2007, at 0:18:33
In reply to Do we actually know one another at all?, posted by Honore on August 18, 2007, at 12:11:22
I'd like to offer another perspective.
I found Babble about 6 months after I started therapy. I had so many questions about the process and about my feelings. No one I knew IRL had ever talked about the experiences I was having. And I had no where to be vulnerable, confused, scared and excited about what was happening. Babble offered me a place to talk, to whine, to cry and to ask questions. And I could offer support and answer questions too - who knew?!.
There was a different "group" on Babble then - a few of us are still here and a few have changed their names - but many of us have become "real" friends. We email, we visit, we talk on the phone. And everyone I've met is who they are here. Of course there are a few surprises, like --I'm pretty sure that I'm much more in charge of myself than I ever appear on the board-- but all in all, the trust I placed in these friends has been worth the risk.
I feel like someone at a high school reunion when I say, "things are different now. Back in my day..." Babble does feel different lately. Perhaps we have a group of very sensitive posters on here right now, which is fine. But I remember two distinct times when I posted about feeling suicidal and Babblers kept me safe. My friends kept me safe. So I worry that we've made some people so uncomfortable or scared about being civil that they don't reach out for help, or we don't respectfully disagree -- we just don't go deep with each other. And that feels like a loss.
I'm sad about it being less safe here - both because of being hacked and because of privacy breaches. But over all, I think this is a trustworthy community and one that is really willing to be supportive and provide help. Yes, you must share carefully and selectively. But I think the answer to your question is "yes." We do actually know one another.
I might even suggest that we know each other better here because we are more truthful about our vulnerabilities.
poster:DAisym
thread:776931
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070807/msgs/777037.html