Somebody, somewhere will have done a study on how we are perceived on social media versus face to face.
When we rely on non verbal signals to the extent of seventy or eighty percent, to give what we say context and correct meaning and so on, its surprising to me at least, that forums work at all.
I think they only do work, because in most cases, we recognise that our common interest is the most important thing.
Enriching each other's experience with our brand of choice. Is the best way I can express it, in the moment.
What's happened with Spoons has given me pause for thought. I prefer a stress free existence. However, if I'm honest, I have to admit that the battles that I've been fighting over the past several years, mostly with chronic illness, bereavement and a huge amount of loss, have left me pretty stressed out at the best of times. And I carry this with little help because my closest friends are spread far and wide and have their own lives to lead.
Another member said to me in private recently that I come across as wrapped a bit tight at times and I laughed this off. But, he was right and given his huge experience working with all kinds of personalities, I ought to have reflected on this more at the time.
I am pretty self aware. But that slips at times. Probably when I need the ability most. I know I'm work in progress and always will be and that's okay.
To be honest, I'm going to miss Spoons. People are irrational and life is chaotic. His posts made me smile a lot and laugh often. If our existence was otherwise, we would, quite literally, die of boredom.