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I was surprised both times you took my posts as personal against yourself. I got that you had solid experience, wisdom and training @Former-Member.  That is why I was glad that you started to post again.

I dont know if you are older or younger than me .. I wondered if you would share it "organically" too or if you were a person who didnt want to discuss age in detail. I certainly had respect for you and am sorry you felt disrespected by anything I directly wrote to you.

No doubt there are a lot of skills and competencies hidden within this community ... I do try to focus on that in posting ... but dont always know the right thing to say to every person "in the moment".  Too often "how are you" has been said by people who dont mean it ... or trite hugs are given ... yet i try to adopt the sending of virtual hugs too ... and have started to soften since posting. Sometimes a direct question can just produce a flood of tears in me ... sometimes a quite smile and nod is all I can manage. @Shimmer is right that online interactions suffer from not having the visual and physical connection .. the coming closer to pay more attention or the soft touch on an arm. 

I am personally wary of sugary approaches in interpersonal dealings ... it does not mean there is no warmth or respect.  Yet as older females we can be easily triggered, whether there is intention or even lack of manners, or not.

I have been open about my personal feelings and family experiences in a way on this forum that could easily make me vulnerable or a cheap target ... I have hoped that would not happen and mostly I have felt respected. Usually a professional has the resources to keep their personal and professional lives separate ... but not always ... I dont believe anyone is completely objective .. we ALL have baggage. Being peers means sharing strengths and weaknesses.

I have apologised before to you when you reacted to something general that was not on a thread you had posted on. I shared deeply from my personal experience I thought that might clarify and bring us closer together

I think this community as a whole benefits from all of us, definitely you included. It seemed that you felt left out. That is not social diatribe... just my belief... I also have to careful not to become too apologetic ... and claim the best for myself and any others I meet.

I am actually interested in your interests.  @Former-Member Sometimes my skills are lacking and I admit being aspergerish ... but I do try ...Dont we all need a bit of give and take and a commitment not to be overly reactive? We have all endured loneliness on this site. .. I dont the know the answers ... but just try to reach out, respond and bridge gaps.