[lilygurl]

I read a comment today that made me remember something about YT from when I first discovered it. See, I haven’t been here to YT that long, I only found out about it a couple of months ago. As some would say, I “lurked” around here for a few weeks prior to signing up. It looked like a fascinating website to become part of, with all its educational information and various experiences with people and their yorkies. Even as intriguing as it was to me, I was hesitant to sign up and become a member. Of course eventually I did because I couldn’t help it, I fell madly in love with yorkies and anything to do with them.

But why was I hesitant at first? As many have probably pointed out already, because - this is a public forum. You allow yourself to be exposed and let your thoughts be interpreted as whoever reads them wants to. Here, you allow yourself to be criticized for your beliefs or desires. There have been quite a few times when I have felt the need to tread around here with a certain cautiousness. Every comment susceptible to being persecuted in unfriendly manner because someone who read it, did not like your opinions. It’s not that I’m afraid of opposition because I do like to discuss my views and listen to other’s views. It’s just the way people express their views that at times, makes me feel this way.

I have seen people be negative and say things that to me seem a bit hurtful. Sometimes someone just asks a simple question or advice and many jump in and reproach the person for not doing things “the right way.” It only makes me wonder, who really does know “the right way” to do things? And it makes me think how might that person be feeling now, have they left forever or will they stay just never comment anymore? Maybe the comment was meant to be helpful but it just came across as an insult? Who knows...

People become afraid of being judged for their actions, so they hesitate to speak about a certain topic because of the type of response they are going to receive. It’s like a type of censorship or oppression for those who don’t think alike. The comment I read was about someone who recently received the great happiness of having a yorkie. But whenever she was asked about the weight of the yorkie she wouldn’t reply. It’s like she was afraid to answer because of what people would say. And it really shouldn’t have to be this way. Maybe I just need to grow a tougher skin and accept the good with the bad. But am I the only one who feels this way? Or does everyone feel such at ease that they’re comfortable talking about any topic?