No you don't have to read them, or post on them, Jangly, if personal problems are not your thing. Which is not to say that sometimes a good answer is "Yes you are being unreasonable and this is why I think you are..." Rather than a chorus of "poor you"s.
I think people join this forum because they are, to some extent, a bit lonely or isolated (maybe they don't know other granparents for instance) and that it can be a solace for some or a place to let of steam for others.
I have noticed that the number of members is increasing steadily, after a bit of a slow period, and that the number of active threads is growing all the time. There are some that I never look at because they are not one of my areas of interest (e.g. sewing or crafts)
It was kind of cosy when there were just a few regular posters, but it is good to see it growing and getting more varied.
Yes it is addictive and i need to get on and do some other things...