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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TamaraJ on May 14, 2005, at 10:11:55
Well, I have to say that when I joined the Babble community, I had never been part of an on-line chat community, and had never imagined I would be. I found Babble by accident really (as I am sure many others have) at a time when I was having some nasty side effects to two meds I was on - Effexor and Depo Provera. After lurking for a month or so, I started posting on the meds board. After a while, I started posting on other boards, starting with the Substance Abuse board.
To have found a community of people who share similar experiences and who are willingly open, comforting, reassuring and supportive of others has been a blessing. Like many others here, I don't know what I would have done without this board when I had been in a really bad way. Yes, I feel blessed to have come into contact with the people here, and to have gotten to know you, either by exchanging posts or just by reading your posts.
The curse is two-fold. Participating does become a bit of an addiction and I have found, at times, that I need my babble "fix" daily and spend more time than I should on the board. And, it can be heartbreaking at times - reading about the pain and suffering of others knowing full well there is not a d*amn thing I can do except offer words of comfort and support and then seeing people leave (that is the hard part). Some people leave without a word, while others announce their departure. Both are tough. I am far too sentimental and emotional for my own good sometimes. You see, my family moved a lot when I was growing up, and having to say good-bye to friends and familiar surroundings took a lot out of me. Yes, I am a big suck!!! So, when I see people leave here or notice that someone has just not been posting for an extended period, I get sad. Such a strange thing really - to feel sad about the departure of a person you don't really know and may not have exchanged too many words. Yet, there it is - a person's presence has such an impact on others that when they go, there is a hole that needs to be filled. It's too hard to see people leave. Oh well, I need to develop a thicker skin I guess, and not post or read as much as I have been. To every problem there is a solution - right?
Tamara (the sentimental fool)
Posted by Dinah on May 14, 2005, at 10:48:43
In reply to Babble - A blessing, yet sometimes a curse, posted by TamaraJ on May 14, 2005, at 10:11:55
Could I selfishly suggest the thicker skin option first? :)
I had to develop a bit of that myself. It's a hard balancing act. Caring and being open, yet keeping enough of a protective distance that the board in general doesn't hurt too much.
Seeing people I care about leave is the worst. I could make a long list, but it would just be too sad. I'm hoping most of them just are doing great and no longer need Babble.
Posted by JenStar on May 14, 2005, at 21:38:52
In reply to Babble - A blessing, yet sometimes a curse, posted by TamaraJ on May 14, 2005, at 10:11:55
I agree with you! It's easy to get attached to people emotionally even if we don't really "know" them, at least I seem to. I know that I myself float into and out of babble from time to time. When I'm doing better I don't post as much, but when I DO post, I read all kinds of interesting things from fascinating people.
I guess I'm afraid to develop too close a relationship with people here, even though I *like* them, b/c of exactly what you said - sadness when they leave, or when I leave. But truly, some of the regulars are what make Babble such a great place for me. It's great to read how people are doing, and see what's new in their lives. I really do enjoy it. I hope it's not unflattering or insulting to say it's a bit like reality TV, b/c I love reality TV. Reading about people here is like watchign reality TV but getting to interact with the stars. It's pretty cool.
JenStar
Posted by KaraS on May 15, 2005, at 3:48:02
In reply to Babble - A blessing, yet sometimes a curse, posted by TamaraJ on May 14, 2005, at 10:11:55
Wow, Tamara, you sure do have a way with words!!! After reading this post and your post to Ami, I have tears streaming down my face. (Ok, my eyes were watering anyway because of an allergic response to my sunscreen but still...) I feel the same way about Babble and about saying good-bye to people. I hate change period. If it were up to me, people wouldn't be allowed to leave here. And good neighbors wouldn't be allowed to move. And boyfriends wouldn't be allowed to break up with me. Hmmm, my world is starting to sound kind of scary. Think I'll stop here and prepare for bed.
Kara
Posted by ed_uk on May 15, 2005, at 8:10:25
In reply to Re: Babble - A blessing, yet sometimes a curse » TamaraJ, posted by KaraS on May 15, 2005, at 3:48:02
Hi K!
>I hate change period. If it were up to me, people wouldn't be allowed to leave here.
I feel the same way :-S
Ed xx
This is the end of the thread.
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