An important message for all posters

drchatterjee.com/how-being-kind-helps-your-immune-system-reduces-stress-and-changes-lives-with-dr-david-hamilton/
As I started a thread a few days ago, there is a lot of research about how being kind and also receiving acts of kindness supports our immune systems. Surely this is even more important in these challenging times?
I now read unpleasant unkind posters comments and think, well your immune system must be a bit fragile if you behave like this in real life.

I commented on the removed post about smokers and COVID which escalated very very quickly. I was genuinely concerned about the mental health of the poster as my reading of the tirade was that she was someone who was lashing out for attention.

I must emphasise that I did not support her viewpoint, but if she is a genuine person and not just trolling us I have a real concern for her welfare, especially given the isolation we are all feeling just now being stuck at home.

I’m fairly new here, and not too sure how it all works, but could an admin let me know if there is a way to check on that poster?

Although I come on here every day I always seem to miss these confrontational posts so I m totally in the dark as to what’s been going on (as usual) but I agree with others now more than ever it’s a time to care and support We are in horrible times we can all fall to pieces at any moment and a kind or thoughtful post can make all the difference

Totally agree Bluebelle

Me too BlueBelle.

I couldn't agree more BlueBelle, well said.
You too CherryCezzy.
Annie ??

This site to my mind allows a free flow of conversation. Great, if you want to share recipes, anecdotes and so on. If you prefer to have a stab at politics, go ahead.

Lolo, you ask a good question, how do we know if people are safe? Also anger and pointscoring may be masking something else.
I have asked for a messaging facility which could be staffed by possibly those with counselling experience. I have asked for useful numbers to be pinned.
I'm sorry but this site must generate income, millions?

You're right Bluebell I had to turn the TV off this morning when Andrew Marr was interviewing the shadow Health Minister (I think that's who it was). He came across as so negative about the present Government that I started to cry!![bush]

My first wobble since last weekend.

Know what you mean Smileless; I've felt a bit wobbly today too.

I generally find this site very helpful, and can see that there are some wonderfully supportive people contributing. What I don't get is that some threads (and I admit it, one of them was mine) which are posted with a "tongue in cheek" comment are deleted whereas others which describe people with tattoos as "scummy" or contain bad language IN CAPITAL LETTERS are left alone. Can someone explain, please as I genuinely didn't mean to offend anyone and feel very guilty at the moment on top of all the stress that this horrible situation is causing.

Sorry, meant to write "genuinely", not "generally".

It's strange how it affects you isn't it Chewbacca. Hope you're over your wobble ans I'm over mine.

Don't add to your stress by feeling guilty Trisha. There's an enormous difference between posting a tongue in cheek comment that inadvertently causes offence, and making posts of a personal nature that are posted with the intention of upsetting someone.

Trisha. I saw your thread which was deleted.
It wasn’t obvious at all that it was tongue in cheek. I and others who responded clearly took it at face value. It sounded like an unpleasant dig at perceived left-wing posters.
You may have spoken in jest, but there are some on Gransnet who would have used the same words in all seriousness.

Therein lies the problem quite often. We write something down which sounds one way in our head but the person reading it hears it a different way in their head. Sometimes I have to read a post more than once to ensure I understand.
Of course then there are the easily offended .........

I’m not easily offended sodapop but there are some things I disagree with, or I just don’t like.
I didn’t report the post, by the way.

I didn't mean you janeainsworth sorry that was just a general comment.

No worries sodapop
No offence taken

Trisha57. I didn’t report your thread either because thankfully it disappeared before I had time. Yet I still don’t understand how using an expression like “bleeding heart liberals”. could possibly be classed as “tongue in cheek”

This site performs such an excellent service, and never more so than now. Sadly there are some who court controversy, and enjoy being spiteful or trying to provoke. I'm sure we all know a few names, and in fact on a recent thread about Harry and Meghan, one of the nastier posters actually admitted to doing just that, to 'defend' Meghan. Quite how vicious and unpleasant posting was achieving an uneeded defence I failed to see, but the simple answer is surely to ignore the posts completely. Like the spoilt child - remove the audience and there is no point to the drama. We need to keep our spirits up right now - I try to be positive but have the odd wobble, and I am luckily not alone in my home. Gransnet unfailingly lifts my heart, and nobody should feel afraid to post. Here I go wtih some capital letters, but for a good cause: PEOPLE HAVE ONLY THE POWER THAT YOU GIVE THEM'. Let's hold on to that - and each other! Stay safe, everyone. xx

Great post Rosina