Loneliness is more dangerous to our health in retirement than smoking.

It is very lovely at the moment, Charlotta, as the wild flowers are just starting to appear in the meadows, it is warm enough to walk without a jacket, but yesterday I was watching the last of the skiers up at the ski station near me.

Charlotta I suggest you re read my post.
I didn't say intellectuals had no sense of humour, and when the posts get too heavy for my liking, then I do look elsewhere!

Why are you often so prickly?

It was a perfectly pleasant post as far as I'm concerned.

You said that intellectual threads got a teeny(!) bit heavy. But on the whole you liked them.

I agree with *nanachrissie] . They can! But I enjoy the contrast!

No *Charlotta", she said that she liked to read all the different outlooks and posts, but also that she does like to have a giggle and not be too serious, and sometimes these threads do get a teeny bit heavy for her.

I don't read that as saying that intellectuals have no sense of humour. Sometimes a serious discussion can go deeper when a little humour is leavening it and the participants can draw breath before continuing.

Do those who see attacks in the neutral posts of others have any sense of how they themselves are reacting with an pre-emptive attacking strike?

Yes, I echo your last sentence Elegran. It's not necessary to jump down people's throats in anticipation of a discussion turning negative - all it does it create that very situation.

" Get your retaliation in first! Don't wait for them to strike the first blow!" and them claim "They started it".

Major wars have happened that way.