I respect your honesty Nanad and I understand where you're coming from. I haven't ever felt intimidated on Gransnet, because essentially, it's just words on a screen. However, I have felt uncomfortable about the occasional break-out of what seem to be quite strident attitudes and opinions.
In real life, I don't particularly like confrontation or 'in your face' ness, and will back away from it if possible. The same on here. If I come across a few threads with quite scratchy posts, I just back off and stay away for a while, but I always come back and always will
I hope you don't leave Nanad, because in our very different ways, we all make a valuable contribution to Gransnet. It takes all - very varied - sorts!