Apparently, I missed the memo about Monday, the 30th, being Horrible, Whining, Angry, Bummer Arguing Day!
I began catching up with the weekend and Monday emails and couldn't believe the prevailing negative air to everyone's articles and comments.
Folks, one of the reasons I like Gather and all of you so much is that we're a community. That doesn't necessarily mean we must always agree with each other. I like a good, spirited debate as much as anyone else. But I do believe we need to respect each others' beliefs and opinions. I'm interested in other people's opinions even when I don't like their opinions.
I also realize that not everyone is having a great day. Some of you have been through a lot, struggle daily with problems much greater than my own, or have recently lost someone dear to you. I like to think that's another reason we're here -- to help with encouragement, cheerful words or comfort as we get to know each other.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is I respect your religious beliefs, political leanings and opinions on social policy in our society. I'm sorry you've suffered a loss or been hurt. I worry that you are so angry because I care about how self-destructive that can be.
BUT
Please respect my beliefs and opinions as well, and those of others. If you are unhappy, we'll sympathize, but doing something kind for someone else is a great way to get outside of yourself and out of any funk.
Having a bad day? Visit the photo pages of some of our incredibly talented fellow Gather-ers, share a laugh, read a story, help someone else rack up points.
I take the term "friend" seriously, so my advice is the same I'd give any other friend -- you're certainly allowed to take a trip to Whiny Town once in a while, you are NOT allowed to live there!
Perk up! We love and value you!
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Comments: 27
I would like to say I am Perked up..and I really don't want to go to whiny town..lol
Have a good day
What else could I ask for?
I don't mind the negative stuff it just opens my eyes to what people think.
Everyone has a difference in opinions and that makes great debates on articles and gets more people to comment because if one comments and someone else sees it that disagrees that next person comments. I laugh at some of the negative stuff that's put on mine because some are just so out of the way you can do nothing but feel sorry for them and laugh at it.
I'm an optimist 99% of the time so nothing gets me down.
Well not too much dose.
You have a wonderfully blessed day and talk to you later.
Brian -- Thanks, I try. I guess the point for me was how hard it became not to join in with the negativity.
Laura -- I didn't take it personally, and I guess it is like a family; bickering still drives me crazy! I guess because it's always felt like once you're someone's mother, you're everyone's mother!
Lera -- Good one!!!! The only other thing we could ask for is you reminding us by sharing! Thanks!
Anne -- I know what you mean, and seriously, that's what started to happen to me yesterday. But, as a child of the 60's I know the enemy is Apathy. I don't like to complain unless I have a suggestion for how to make things better.
Martha -- Thanks, I usually take it with a grain of salt and now that I've taken a deep breath, I'm ready to argue again. LOL. You have a great day, too!
Sarah -- Lucky you! Maybe everyone will take a deep breath now that it's not Monday anymore!
Had just had a lot of bad things going on, which does tend to bring me down a bit.
I haven't posted anything in a long, long time, but am sure my comments reflected my mood.
I will try to do better.
Risa -- All I ask is that we share the joy as well as the misery.
Maybe I just lucked out with my connections although I've had some gatherites come by and give me hell. LOL - It's just my opinion - every one has one. There is no law that says I have to agree with you:)
Sandre wrote:
you're certainly allowed to take a trip to Whiny Town once in a while, you are NOT allowed to live there!
Amen to that - although a good rant by someone who writes well can be quite entertaining!
Cheers - Happy Fourth of July to you, Sandre:)
LOL. Ever since I posted this, people do seem to be a little more considerate of each other. Everyone here has so much to offer, I'm really glad to be getting to know them. And no, I definitely don't think everybody has to agree with me. There was a very spirited debate going on on another post the other day, but everyone kept it cool and tried not to let their remarks get personal. I really enjoyed it. If I needed someone who constantly agreed with me, I'd just spend the day talking to my mirror. LOL
Beth, it's the law of attraction, isn't it? Cheerful attracts cheerful. Sometimes I'm cranky, too, so I try to be cranky philosophically and with a sense of humor.