Hi everyone. I’ve been on this forum now for just two weeks and wanted to express my thanks to everyone. By the way, when I say “you” in this thread, I mean every single one of you who contributes here.

I was so hesitant to join this forum in the first place. I was certain someone would take the p*$” out of my screen name or something, but no, you’ve all been great. Even had a couple of compliments about it – thanks.

I can’t yet get over the fact that you all give so freely and unselfishly of your time and thoughts purely to offer comfort , support and empathy to your fellow friends. You are really quite special, all of you. You should be so proud of what you are doing here.

Apart from T (always) of course, and W (sometimes) , I have never had my opinions or thoughts affirmed as real or valid or even worthy, by anybody till I came on here. I may not be the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to therapy and the like, but all I’ve posted so far has been treated with such respect. Thank you all.

For 30 years I’ve only existed within four walls physically, and within my own head emotionally, never opening up to anyone. To give you an example of how bad it WAS!. Each year in the lead up to Christmas a guy at work here would put out a top 10 favourites question asking for peoples top ten fav books, cakes, biscuits, drinks, film stars etc etc etc. Could i take part? Could I heck. I couldn’t open up over something that trivial for fear of ridicule and rejection to work colleagues.

Thanks to you guys, I’m beginning to understand that my opinions do count for something, even if they are way off base sometimes . You are giving me the self belief and confidence to do and say things I’d never have done before. I hope I can take this into the real world at some point.

Those who have taken the trouble to PM me ( you know who you are! ),special thank you’s. For the first time in my life, when that little M symbol for new mail lights up on my phone, and it isn’t my service provider begging me to settle my account, I feel really connected to the outside world.

I feel truly humbled to have been allowed to be part of this, you are having as big a positive impact on my life as my T has, and that’s really saying something.

I’m beginning to think that you peeps could show the leaders and money men of the world what REALLY matters when it comes to living together.

Thanks a million everyone, you really are special people, and I hope this doesn’t come across like sugar coated bullshit, I do mean it!!

for every one of you.

AV