Without body language, facial expressions and having met in the flesh, it is difficult to know anybody simply through a blog. None of us really 'know' each other but I don't think that is the reason we are here. We are simply trying to share important moments, wandering thoughts, similar interests, laughs and cries and if we accidentally say the wrong thing that should be overlooked because we do not truly know that person and cannot possibly understand everything about them.

I am sure that your comments have in no way been hurtful Trevor but I admire your honesty in tackling the subject.

this feels like any other community of people, where everyone is different, and everyone is entitled to be different.
think too hard and you'd never express yourself.
i've chosen a blog style that doesn't usually involve much personal stuff, so it's easier for me!

but a weblog is your personal property and we should all feel free to do it our way (even if someone gets upset occasionally).

In no way was I offended by your comments, Trev...it was more in a humorous way that I was asking why do people always think I'm tough? Deep down, I think I must be a reincarnation of a pretty stroppy, aggressive warrior of old HLOL...probably why I loved Zena A warrior woman...hmmm...I like that...tough on the outside and soft inside...
This is a strangely intimate place to be in blogland... the others aren't the same and I wouldn't share half as much there as I do here so this is a pretty special place I think...big hugs to you and really glad to have you as a friend...XXX

The reason I like this site is because most of the participants are mature (if not in years then in understanding), open minded and non-judgmental. If I did offend someone then I hope they would let me know, and also know me well enough to know it would not be intentional.

I hope that we are all adult enough to be able to understand what blog is. We share our thoughts and ideas hopefully with like minded people. No one "hopefully" sets out to offend we just say what we think at the time. If people choose to be hurt by some casual remark then perhaps they should go somewhere else. I have never been offended by any remarks or comments, I accept people for who they are. A good sense of humour is a pre-requestit when blogging as we cannot see the other persons face. So if we take it all in good part we will have no problems. We are all "tough" it's just that some are tougher than others.

I don't think you are doing anything to offend - one should be as selective about friends and mindful of one's own time and space in blogland as one would in 'real' life. As a newcomer to blogging, it seems to me that people find those who don't comment or bother to reply more upsetting than those that do venture an opinion or comment. But (I keep reminding myself) this is supposed to be your web log, and providing that you don't make comments that would offend anyone in real life, I agree that you should say it as you see it (or should that be read it?) if someone makes a public blog.

I think I have a penchant for upsetting people sometimes by a stray word or phrase, but that is never my intention.
I have always been a rather insular person, and this is my first attempt at active socialising, (if you can call it that), but I think after all these years I can be forgiven for being a bit rusty!
For myself I really enjoy the more personal side of other people's blogs, and I hope it's also the other way around as I painfully struggle on with it!