It's best we close this thread. I do want to tell everyone that I've corresponded with Summerbummer and she she is doing just fine
! She will be coming back soon to answer all the supportive PMs and messages she has received. She wanted to thank everyone for their support and also apologize for causing people to worry.
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Some of what's been discussed on this thread concerns me a bit in terms of the word and action of 'bullying'. And perhaps we need to discuss 'bullying' on another thread if people think it needs discussion. The word bully/bullying is the buzz word of the day, unfortunately. I say unfortunately because its actual meaning has been watered down so terribly, that it's being used at every turn. And in my opinion, this kind of watering down does nothing but hurt the actual
very significant topic of bullying.
Having a disagreement with someone is not bullying. Having some back-and-forth with someone is not bullying. Getting a little heated during conversation here is not bullying.
Let's all try to be a little more careful in using that word bc once you say it, you cannot take it back, even if/when you're incorrect. And that word, as we all know and see, can wield a LOT of hurt, power, and misconceptions. Of course, it's only fair to say that we all have different opinions of what bullying is, so we can't say someone is just wrong or right for claiming 'bullying'. We all have a right to our opinions and should respect those differences.
Let's be careful, let's be sensitive, let's keep a watch on each other - but let's also not jump the gun on making accusations and assumptions too quickly. We ALL have said or may say things that might be harsh or too direct or said in haste - that does not make us bullies. It does make us human though, eh
?
Lastly, let's avoid making allusions or insinuations about things, situations, or people. That's not fair, right, or helpful -- it's kinda passive aggressive and is like peddling backwards in order to go forward, ya know? The only way to really solve things is to just be direct and get it cleared up. It's okay to be direct, in fact, it's admirable and respectful.
Deep breaths, all, deep breaths! We're all doing our best on any given day
.