It's okay to NOT comment

I realize everyone likes to feel heard, but sometimes we just need to listen. When I see posts calling for more inclusive members regarding gender, race, age, etc. to participate (that doesn't include me), I still enjoy reading through the thread. It's a great way for me to appreciate the struggles of others outside my demographic, or discover situations that would be beneficial for me to be more aware of.

It's understandable that excluded members still want to give their two cents. Sometimes I don't cringe when this happens, but most of the time it feels like people are more concerned with forcing their own perspectives into another's reality. As a hetero, White male that's often compared to large apes by family and friends, I can appreciate that I'll experience and handle some situations very differently than a Blue, feminine hobbit.

So the next time someone pours their heart out in search of some inherent understanding, just let them. Outside input can of course be beneficial, but sometimes it's nice to talk with someone that just gets it.

And before someone calls me out, I can say what I said because one of my best friends is a hobbit!

  1. How do you approach threads that aren't about you?68 votes
    1. Ignore: I didn't want to be invited anyway!
      14.71%
    2. Chest-Pound: I'ma drop some knowledge.
        7.35%
    3. Respectfully: Hmm. (Reads; doesn't post)
      47.06%
    4. Tell me more about this hobbit...
      10.29%
    5. Just here for the cuddles.
      20.59%

Comments

  • [Deleted User]squeakytoy (deleted user)

    I wish to know more about this hobbit.

  • How dare you?

    How DARE you hold up a collective mirror? How DARE you ask others to think from another perspective outside their own? How DARE you suggest that this forum be inclusive rather than exclusive? How DARE you tell anyone to listen?
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Good.

    Keep doing so.

  • [Deleted User]Mmart (deleted user)

    I hear you.

  • [Deleted User]squeakytoy (deleted user)
    edited May 2021

    Oh... and I also agree with your other sentiments! It's just, you mentioned a hobbit. And I'd like to know about it him/her/them/etc.

  • Blue hobbits are selfish turds unworthy of compassion and understanding

  • I worry about this a lot. But maybe not enough.

  • 😂 Y’all are killing me!!!

    But yeah, Ralen Stubtoe is a wedding photographer, we met at an event I was working security for. She likes bell bottom jeans, and is currently running a campaign to rally blue hobbits and smurfs together for a peace rally.

  • edited May 2021

    Depends on what it is truthfully! If there is a header that says for instance “Crocodiles: Do you ever...” I’m not clicking on that with the specific goal of posting because I’m not a crocodile. I might read it if I’ve got time. I might post if there is a perspective that hasn’t been shared yet, or an angle that maybe isn’t being considered.

    I don’t believe in blocking out or discouraging certain populations (based on protected class) from sharing on a public forum that’s dedicated to all. What I do believe in however is respectful discourse, and being mindful of who the topic is aimed at at all times. You could argue some perspectives are not asked for, sure. At that point, set boundaries within your thread’s opening. But remember that on most public forums, once it’s out there, you have given people consent to post on it. The community handles interactions from there.

  • [Deleted User]squeakytoy (deleted user)

    Blue hobbits are selfish turds unworthy of compassion and understanding

  • @ZacRedBear

    😂Y’all are killing me!!!

    Right? What's wrong with all these people?!

    .....They're great. Huh? Lol

  • Well said!

  • @Catloaf You're absolutely correct that everyone has a right to participate in a public forum. I'm just suggesting a little less participation, and more observation. To quote Jurassic Park: "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should."

    @Amortentia People ask what's wrong with me all the time! 🤪

  • [Deleted User]Starlost (deleted user)

    It's the internet.
    Everyone gives their knee-jerk reaction without asking for clarification or confirming their interpretation.

  • I am between all the last three options in the poll. If it is an issue I know some things about I may be more inclined to ask to learn more about it, if not stated that only X commenters are wanted. If it is a proposed solution to issues that could cause me/my/another group an issue then I'd have my say as to how that may not be the best approach. Though sometimes I wanna keep out of hot topics to care for my own mental health.

  • @ZacRedBear i totally agree with you many times people should just read and move on. I’m guilty of commenting when it’s not necessary, like now, but i try to offer a missed perspective or something like that. I do my best not to call anyone out for there thoughts, but sometimes i fail.

  • @Lovelight I’m fairly unplugged from most social media precisely to avoid hot topics, so I feel ya. But commenting out of curiosity for some clarity/insight is an option I wish I had added to the poll, so I think you win!

    @BashfulLoner I’m all about learning from other perspectives, and I believe some outside posters do intend to be respectful with unsolicited comments. I also appreciate anyone who practices restraint, so thanks for bringing that up as well.

  • I’m socially awkward around crowds so I often just read but don’t comment. Unless it’s something I truly feel I may be able to help with. But to be honest crowds give me so much anxiety. In person feels worse cause I can’t focus. My vision gets blurry. I try to offer a smile in public but peoples intense stares freak me out ☹️

  • Reading the title of this thread, I assumed that it was directed at me.

  • [Deleted User]squeakytoy (deleted user)

    Okay, I can't hold it in any longer... I NEED to ask this! Otherwise it's going to keep me up at night.

    @ZacRedBear

    HAS YOUR FRIEND BEEN A FLOWER THIS WHOLE TIME?!? :tired_face:

    Blue Hobbit: https://www.bluestoneperennials.com/ERBH.html

  • not comment

    Ohhh sorry. Got the wrong of the stick!

  • @SitaRosee I've had a handful of friends with similar conditions. If it helps, remember that a lot of people in those crowds are also self conscious, but great at hiding it. Even more still, are people who literally just found out their friend was actually freaking flower this whole time!!!

    Okay, back to you. I have an idea or two for getting through crowd stress if you’d like to message me. (Is it “pm” or “dm”? I’m so out of the loop 🙃)

    Also I’m not specifically calling anyone out 🤗

  • [Deleted User]squeakytoy (deleted user)

    Good grief @Gary :joy:

    Q: Is any thread safe from puns on CuddleComfort?
    A:

  • All of the puns please 😂

  • @ZacRedBear nah, I think your second to last option does that. :)

  • edited May 2021

    The great majority of threads, I never post a response. I often compose a response but don't post it because I know the reaction will be negative. Diverse opinions are often not welcomed.

  • Yes please! I do take advice. Even though I’ve never actually received advice for this particular problem of mine. Cause it can be a problem, especially when others are around me and I start freaking out, pretty much demanding to leave and once I get into the car I’m practically crying because of how uncomfortable it was to be around crowds. It’s all in my head and it sucks cause I can’t help myself from freaking out. One on ones are great for me, I feel a lot more comfortable but big crowds freak me out :(

  • @SitaRosee I’ll message you!

  • @ZacRedBear DM (direct message) and PM (private message) are used interchangeably by the average person. Though I am sure some differences can be found if it's dug for long enough.

  • edited May 2021

    @SitaRosee feel free to message me if you need to talk about it. I have unmuted ny account til May, 28th to give you a chance to message if you'd like. Once in contact we'd be able to communicate even if I mute it again. :)

  • SitaRosee, if you ever find something that helps, I would love to know! I have a young volunteer at the nonprofit that I run that sounds much the same as you. One on one she's great with everyone, but any time more than two voices are in proximity she nopes out and disappears. She and I have talked around the edges of the subject, so I know it is something she is working on in her life. I just love this young woman like a daughter and I wish I could FIX it somehow (yeah, overwhelming guy thing) but I know the chivalrous knight cannot champion the maiden and joust it out (good thing, cuz I am bad with horses). I guess I am sticking my nose where it does not belong (yeah, overwhelming guy thing), but I also have strong reactions in large crowds but can fake my way through. Maybe I should just say that I hear you, I empathize, and I wish to be supportive.

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