Suggestion to Avoid Hurt Feelings

Thank you, Granny, for this thread. I think you and Ladyfingers both said it best. Well,LF's first post on this thread,anyway. I will admit Im absolutely guilty of slinging some mud. I also have behaved immaturely on here, and have regretted it...usually. Im sorry if Ive hurt anyones feelings.

Very well said,Granny.

Well, I had some things I had to get done, but we've had supper and I'm back. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your responses to this thread. And if I failed to say it already, I'll say it here. I have been as guilty as anybody else with a quick comeback that was not always as kind as I would have been in person.  I want to apologize to everyone of you if I have said mean, unkind, or insensitive words to you on this board. From what I've read here, I think we all feel somewhat sad, or should, at some of the grief we have caused others. I have sensed long-held grudges among some that have gone on perhaps for a long time.

I also feel a need to say that I forgive those who have said unkind words to me, some intentional and some perhaps unknowingly. I plan to leave this world someday and when I do I want to leave with a clear conscience and I'm sure the rest of you feel likewise. Hope so.

I really believe we will all benefit if we put forth a little extra effort to ignore hostility and even make a little extra effort to be kind to those who are having a bad day. If nothing else, ignoring the deliberate efforts to cause trouble and passing on by the "hot topics" arguments will have to work. Negative inflamatory posts will not get any more of my attention and I won't be overly concerned for those who keep the fights going.I know that ignoring troublemakers will work because it takes at least two people to argue.

Soooooo, some of you may be extra happy that you've throttled 'ole Granny Clampet because I may do more ignoring than posting. LOL And you, my friends can do whatever your conscience tells you.  Actions do speak louder than words, after all.  And remember, if the going gets too rough for any of us, that ole' "Report Abuse" button still works as do the "Exit" programs and "Log-Off Computer. Y'all have a good one and thank you again for responding.

Ain't that the truth.

Granny, it would be nice.

Welll,,, my quote didn't appear.

trailmom:

 If only, if only, if only. You know by now that there are those who specifically thrive on the conflict. Those who will make a conflict if none is intended. There is the hyena pack that if they smell blood will attack and attack and attack---especially when it doesn't concern them! They wait in hopes of bringing down prey....or, at the very least, drawing blood. 

It all sounds really nice, but I sure don't see it lightening up around here any time soon. 

Ain't that the truth.

Granny C, you've inspired some good thoughts here ... thoughts I hope will turn into beliefs for others, who will then live those beliefs! 

{{{Granny Clampet}}}

hmmm, reading this through, thinking about all that's been written (sorry, I tend to ponder these things) ...

Granny_Clampet:

I think we should all remember that even though we post here anonymously, we are all real people, with real needs, and with real feelings.

That seems (to me), to be one of the most important statements here. 

Urging the ones who speak of kindness, peace, compassion - to keep that statement in mind ... especially when tempted to angrily lash out in defense or disagreement at others.

In this world there will always be those who are angry and hateful, who enjoy hurting others, maybe to avoid facing their own weaknesses - though the reasons really don't matter.  We can only accept and forgive them, and wish (or pray if that's what one chooses, [disclaimer] though not to be taken as "shoving my beliefs down your throats") - that they will find the way to correct their own misgivings.

As for the others who claim to be loving, caring real people - treat others the way you expect to be treated.   It's easy if you try 

While words can sound nice and carry meaning, there is little worth in talking about a belief if we don't actually live it.

Susan, please know my remarks were not meant for you personally, nor were they meant in any way to single out you or anyone else ... you see, I don't even know what post or picture or comments predicated Granny Clampet's post.  I read very little here these days, seeing that the ugliness and negativity is far outweighing any positive or productive energy.

I just thought* Granny Clampet made a genuine effort  ... she and others bringing up good points, that both supported and confirmed what she and others wrote.

Silly me!  I thought* it was a healthy discussion.

Serves me right for *thinking, eh?  LOL.

Okay ... mea culpa and ciaociaociao! 

Susan, of all of us in that knock-down-and-drag-out you were one of the most innocent, IMO.

I used to work with a young lady and no matter what happened in my office, she would always be the first to apologize. I supervised some who would not apologize for anything, no matter what. LOL She was just that kind of person, everyone loved her. She later went back to school and now teaches kindergarten which was her goal in life. I see her now and then and I tell her, she has the perfect heart to work with those little people. She just smiles.

Anyhow, it makes my heart happy to know so many of you. Labrat, you are another. Please stay, post more, and  make things better, all of you.

.

AMEN!!!