Lovers, Partners and Friends

[TE999]

In recent months past we've lost some friends. There has been sickness and death leaving us to grieve and wonder why. There has been bickering, leaving us angry and hateful.

We cannot do anything about Nature. Death claims us all one day. But we can do something about the anger and ugliness that eats away at the world around us.

In honor of Christabel and all the others who struggle and need our strength, on this thread let us promote harmony.

There seems to be more than the usual squabbling on the AH threads of late. The reasons are immaterial; what's important is that we need to mellow out and have a bit of positive fellowship around here.

With that thought in mind, this threads been created to provide a forum to express positive thoughts about each other and express our feelings about life's happier side.

Political arguments and personal attacks are not welcomed here. Let's express ourselves in a positive manner and be a family. Tell a joke. Share a hug. Be there for someone.

So here it is. Let it grow or let it die. It's up to all of you.

 

[SweetWitch]

I think you're adorable, Tom.

Get well, Christa.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I think you're adorable, Tom.

Get well, Christa.

I'd have used the word "noble" myself, bein't a guy and all, but I'm thinking the same general idea. I refuse to get angry over nothing. I will not be bitter over disagreement. I will acceed graciously when chastised and never, never gloat when it turns out I was right all along.

And yes, Christa, get well.

 

[TE999]

Thanks Molly.

Thanks VM.

I'm not tryin' to go all Dr. Phil on everybody, just tryin' set aside a neutral zone where folks can share positive thoughts and keep up their spirits.

 

[Guest]

 

[TE999]

 

[LadynStFreknBed]

I like your idea of turning the page. The whole concept of new beginnings and change is powerful to me (and to many ceative people, I suspect). I have hope that AH will become a more supportive environment, and it's people like you who can make that happen.

-Sheila

 

[TE999]

I like your idea of turning the page. The whole concept of new beginnings and change is powerful to me (and to many ceative people, I suspect). I have hope that AH will become a more supportive environment, and it's people like you who can make that happen.

-Sheila

Thanks Sheila.

I'm just tired of all the petty gripes and complaints. We have AH family members who are suffering. They need our support. And we need to be a tad more kind to each other.

 

[Chantilyvamp]

 

[TE999]

 

[Trombonus]

Great call Tom! I'm with you 100%!

 

[English Lady]

Fozzie! I'm with you 100%.

I never cease to be amazed by the kindness and generousity of the people here.

 

[DesertPirate]

Great idea
You are a good man Tom

 

[jomar]

Nice thread Tom. I've recently become aware of a certain preemie that had been fighting for her life in a NICU. She's home now. So in general - to inner strength, spirit and will to live!

 

[glynndah]

I wandered in here a couple of years ago to read the stories and perhaps share one or two of my own. I stayed for the welcome, the warmth and the friendship I received from Tom and many, many others.

 

[Emperor_Nero]

Tom ... a great thread. Thank you

We can only hope that it's sentiments of friendship and fellowship take hold

 

[buxxxom]

Perfect sentiments.

 

[oggbashan]

I believe that it is possible to argue and disagree and yet still remain friends.

Many of us here have strong views about some topics. Disagreement with those views doesn't mean lack of respect for the individual, and doesn't preclude agreement on other topics. Mutual understanding and clear communication can make friends of people who don't share your views.

For example, I frequently disagree with Amicus. That doesn't mean that I don't wish him good health and long life. The AH would miss him if he left us.

It is possible for Democrats and Republicans to be friends; for supporters of one political party to work with another for a common cause; for even overt enemies to cooperate if it is their mutual interest as the USSR and USA did on drugs during the height of the Cold War.

I agree with John Donne - the loss of anyone diminishes us all.

Og

 

[SweetWitch]

I believe that it is possible to argue and disagree and yet still remain friends.

Many of us here have strong views about some topics. Disagreement with those views doesn't mean lack of respect for the individual, and doesn't preclude agreement on other topics. Mutual understanding and clear communication can make friends of people who don't share your views.

For example, I frequently disagree with Amicus. That doesn't mean that I don't wish him good health and long life. The AH would miss him if he left us.

It is possible for Democrats and Republicans to be friends; for supporters of one political party to work with another for a common cause; for even overt enemies to cooperate if it is their mutual interest as the USSR and USA did on drugs during the height of the Cold War.

I agree with John Donne - the loss of anyone diminishes us all.

Og

I agree with you, but I've seen debates disintegrate into name-calling and finger-pointing. For some, it’s just not possible to have a difference of opinion without anger. Some issues are too personal. Some people are too emotional.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I agree with you, but I've seen debates disintegrate into name-calling and finger-pointing. For some, it’s just not possible to have a difference of opinion without anger. Some issues are too personal. Some people are too emotional.

And, worse yet, some people are too political. So though I would be the last to want to declare LIT a politics-free zone, I sure turn and walk away quickly when the subject is brought up. It will be so much sweeter when the election is over . . . I hope!

 

[English Lady]

I agree with you, but I've seen debates disintegrate into name-calling and finger-pointing. For some, it’s just not possible to have a difference of opinion without anger. Some issues are too personal. Some people are too emotional.

I think something we all need to have in mind when we're chatting here is that everyone has there own emotions and thoughts and histories. They bring all this to every conversation they enter into and everyone has moments when their emotions bubble over.

I think, if we can remember this, we can forgive those flashes of anger and move on.

I feel such an old fart saying this, but I've seen many flair-ups of emotion over the years here, been involved in some of them even and you know, more often than not they end up with sorries and forgiveness and hugs.

People here are just that, real people and fall outs happen everywhere as do make-ups.

 

[oggbashan]

And, worse yet, some people are too political. So though I would be the last to want to declare LIT a politics-free zone, I sure turn and walk away quickly when the subject is brought up. It will be so much sweeter when the election is over . . . I hope!

Unfortunately the result of the US Presidential Election will affect countries all over the world yet only US electors can vote.

Politics is too important to be left to politicians.

What worries me is how little thought people make before they vote whether for the US President or for a small town candidate, or even whether they bother to vote at all.

Many people died so that we can exercise our right to choose.

Discussing the issues is unlikely to change many of us but the result of most elections affects many people.

However, here in the Authors' Hangout it is polite to mark a thread as "political" so that it can be ignored if you want to.

Og

 

[Emperor_Nero]

I think something we all need to have in mind when we're chatting here is that everyone has there own emotions and thoughts and histories. They bring all this to every conversation they enter into and everyone has moments when their emotions bubble over.

I think, if we can remember this, we can forgive those flashes of anger and move on.

I feel such an old fart saying this, but I've seen many flair-ups of emotion over the years here, been involved in some of them even and you know, more often than not they end up with sorries and forgiveness and hugs.

People here are just that, real people and fall outs happen everywhere as do make-ups.

While I agree completely with this and Ogg's earlier statement, I think many of the problems that have been cropping up are from people actively seeking the opportunity to push those hot buttons and set people off just to watch the fireworks.

Yes, debate and argument can be quite excillerating if done well. And yes, sometimes personal bias and experience end up in people occationally saying things they regret -- and part of friendship is recognizing those moments and forgiving them. But part of friendship is not intentionally pushing those buttons, recognizing the deep anxiety and pain they can cause the other party.

I'm not opposed at all to argument and debate, when it's done in a civilized manner. I'm just seeing less and less as things seem to be much more quickly devolving into personal attacks.

 

[Tricialen]

In recent months past we've lost some friends. There has been sickness and death leaving us to grieve and wonder why. There has been bickering, leaving us angry and hateful.

We cannot do anything about Nature. Death claims us all one day. But we can do something about the anger and ugliness that eats away at the world around us.

In honor of Christabel and all the others who struggle and need our strength, on this thread let us promote harmony.

There seems to be more than the usual squabbling on the AH threads of late. The reasons are immaterial; what's important is that we need to mellow out and have a bit of positive fellowship around here.

With that thought in mind, this threads been created to provide a forum to express positive thoughts about each other and express our feelings about life's happier side.

Political arguments and personal attacks are not welcomed here. Let's express ourselves in a positive manner and be a family. Tell a joke. Share a hug. Be there for someone.

So here it is. Let it grow or let it die. It's up to all of you.

I believe in redemption...and forgiveness..

 

[SeaCat]

What? You expect me to be nice and friendly like?

A great idea and I endorse it whole heartedly.

Cat