Dear Nichole:

It’s amazing, because after submitting the Oct 31 message to you, telling you that part of my social interactions are right here in the forums, I thought to myself that maybe you would like it too, to respond to members and maybe have a conversation with a member, here and there.

Since you brought it up- I’d be delighted to read your replies to other members. And please know, replies don’t have to be perfect. Mine aren’t 😊.

Also, if you choose to reply, be prepared to the very likely possibility that sometimes, if not often, you will not get a response, no matter intelligent and empathetic your reply may be. Having my 10+ years experience here, I often don’t receive replies, and the same is true to other responders, here in the forums. As long as you’re okay with it.. like I said, I’ll be thrilled to read from you.

For me, I get the connection feeling even if I don’t get a response from a member because I feel that someone is reading my words, even if it’s someone who chooses to remain silent. And I think, maybe what I just shared will help someone.

You wrote in regard to the church meeting you attended, “I notice that I make a lot of judgments as I scan the room.”- What kinds of judgments?

Personally, I don’t make anywhere close to as many judgments as I used to make, and not as harsh. My judgments had to do with suspicion and distrust of people, seeing their negatives, even maximizing their negatives, and either ignoring, or minimizing their positives.

I hope you enjoy the SWFL weather, as well as a lower 💡 bill 😊.

🤍 Anita