Why do you use Gransnet?

I love it as it is but agree that a like button would be a good addition to the discussions
not sure, it could make you feel a bit despondent if no-one liked your posts

ethel

Any time you want a rant or need some wise words we're here!

Lovely post Ethel!

I can offload without anyone being hurt. Pretty much all of the responses are supportive and I like to add my own support to those in need when I feel I have something to offer.

I love it as it is but agree that a like button would be a good addition to the discussions

I like to follow certain threads, mainly news and politics. I've never posted but one day I might. At the moment I enjoy following the debates.

etheltbags1

I fist started on gnet about 4 years ago and to be honest I loved winding people up . However after a cancer diagnosis and the tremendous support from g netters, I now take care to listen and support others, this has taught me compassion in my everyday life. I also know I can rant about various problems and someone will listen. Love to you all
T

For those of us who spend a lot of time alone it is 'contact' with someone out there. It is also great for those of us who are 'owls' or 'larks' when there is usually no one else around. In times when you need to share stress or problems there is always support from someone with similar experiences. It gives some perspective on issues where there are a range of opinions and makes you think 'outside the box'. Yes there is some acid but you don't have to respond, after all.
I have also met some lovely people on 'meet ups'. At our time of life it can be difficult to meet new people in the flesh, though on this site it can still be virtual if you wish!
Yes I like Gransnet. You can log in regularly or give it a break It does not matter as you are in control.

Synonymous, I hope you wont mind my mentioning it but did you see that TV programme which I think aired for the first time last night about the medical uses of placebo? I ask because I am so sorry for your husband's pain.

In this programme the experiment and the clinical implications impressed me. All points were covered including the ethic of lying to the patient and the latter did not actually happen!

Welcome Jessity. It would appear that those with acid tongues have upped and left and it is much nicer now although every now and again you may find the odd comment which is way out of place.

I’m a newbie, hesitated to join as I’d heard there were sometimes quite acerbic comments, though I’ve not seen any thus far. I find it interesting to read others’ opinions or experiences and to compare them to my own. I find myself often thinking how fortunate I am when reading of unhappy experiences, family situations or ill-health.

I’ve enjoyed reading book suggestions, had help and support on the LCHF thread and had my eyes opened to other views and lives.

I don't much these days – it's changed and interests me less than it used to.

Izabella, your step-grandchildren will probably find your stories about your travels far more interesting than falsely cosy attempts to bond by reading sacharine books to them.

There isn't a certified list of what you should or shouldn't do, for any grandparents, let alone step ones, except that it is a bad move to set up in oppostion to their established relationships. Be yourself, be interesting, don't boss them around, don't criticise their parents but be available as an alternative adult for them to turn to should you be needed.

i am going to be brave and tell it as it is and expect to be shouted down by many who have no understanding or experience of my situation. I am a step gran and have absolutely no idea of what i am supposed to do as a gran. I have few if any feelings for the little ones and find it extremely hard to interact with them. I am tolerated as a second wife.

I joined gransnet to see what I am supposed to do, or at least what others do. Some aspects are heartening - how people cope with difficulties and personal grief. Some make my family experiences seem normal when grans discuss family problems and errant relatives. The rest who discuss their joy and rewards of being a gran leave me dispirited, envious and feeling inadequate as I know I will never experience such things. Over the years things have got worse.

I now dip into the forums when I am not trekking or travelling or whatever, and realise I find peace in nature and the natural world rather than the bosom of family life.

I do not expect sympathy or judgement and It has taken great courage for me to write this.

I'm a fan of group chats and l want to know others opinions on a certain thing

I think GN performs a brilliant function for support, information and for virtual company for many who are lonely (not just those living alone). I use it as a distraction from stress. Personally I am wary about social media in some respects because sites are basically a business, and sell advertising and postings are not confidential to members but can be read by others, including the general media ie Daily Mail. Sometimes I am tempted to post quite personal stuff but don't wish to read about it in the press later. I would also hate a "Like" button as I feel it encourages people to "play to the audience".

Oh, forum means a lot for me! I think that this it is an amazing place to meet new people, solve your problems and share your experience. I love helping others so such community is created for me. Every day when I wake up and drink coffee I love to read what people write. Even if it makes sense or no. Even if I can help or no - though I can learn a lot.

To try and understand why my MIL does the things that she does!

I feel connected and the active forums help me to feel connected. I work in a mostly young workplace and sometimes feel the conversation isn't interesting me or relevant.so Gransnet helps me connect love the tips and comps and the way people's remarks/ comments are relevant to me.

I love to read the opinions of other members. So interesting especially as most of us are strangers. Not knowing religion and ethic background is refreshing. Debates are mostly held on words alone.

Thank you Charleygirl perhaps I will have another peep.

Gransnet has really made me think more and look at other perspectives and has taught me that we can all disagree sometimes in an agreeable way. And much more. Its also provided me with support advice interesting debate and laughs and chat. I am very limited socially because of M.E. and fibromyalgia. Gransnet has helped with that.

It is a fascinating insight into other people's lives.

I only come on once in a while - generally if I see something interesting on Twitter - and only if I think I can help or I have a very strong opinion. I have never looked at anything beyond the forums. I would like the threads I am on to last longer. If I have commented I like to look back and see how the discussion went but it has disappeared.