Talking and Listening Online.

[azskyman]

I met today with the GM of two of our offices (no, we didn't end up at Hooters this time), and it was time well spent.

Enchiladas were the order of the day for lunch, but three different times during the meal he reminded me how much he appreciated the chance to talk with me, and for me to listen to him, about the challenges he's faced with....at work, and in his personal life.

"Let's do this again, Steve. Sooner than later. I need to do this more often."

"We both do," I said.

One of the reasons message boards are so popular too is that they give you a chance to say what's on your mind, to express yourself, and actually get a response. The appeal is in the ability to talk and be heard. Not just heard, but actually be listened to.

It's sad to think that some really good people have good things to say...and there is no one to listen. These boards provide that opportunity.

Kathy and I talk a lot sometimes...about any and every topic from kids to money to politics to decorating the home. And everything in between. Our relationship is a good one. After 32 years, sometimes we even hear what the other one says!!!

Still...I enjoy the company of others both in person and here online who need a little encouragement or conversation. It fills a void that exists for me, and I like it.

I'd surely miss it (and you) if it wasn't there. Would you miss these connections online, or would you just find other ways to fill the need?

[wx247]

I think I would miss it because I am usually communicating with someone all the time I am on here. Whether it be on S2K or e-mail with friends and family or any of the messengers I own... I stay in touch a lot through the internet.

Places like Storm2K have helped me to expand my horizons even farther than before and to discuss openly and freely what some of my family doesn't discuss too often.

[streetsoldier]

I would definitely be among those who would "miss it"; this being the sole "social avenue" I still have.

Some of you have written me via "snail-mail", others are on Messenger/AIM; still others, a select few, have granted me the pleasure of conversing via telephone. It is of untold benefit to have friends here...potentiated by the fact that I am bereft of friends in the "real" world.

"Miss it"? It would render me deaf, dumb and blind.

[azsnowman]

Sure I'd miss it, this is an *outlet* for me, yeah, we have a lot of friends that we have supper with, work our SAR dogs with but yet, it's funny, I'm not as close to them as I am with you folks!

Dennis

[isobar]

As some of you know, my husband's job has relocated us twice in 2 yrs, from NH to FL to IN. Having to leave family and friends and start completely from scratch building a life really sucks - excuse my Frrrrrrrrrench.

The nice thing about this board for me is ... you guys can come with me wherever I move. You get to ride on the truck in the computer box with the packing peanuts, and I don't have to say goodbye.

"Missing it" would be an understatement.