blackfoot, sooner or later, one of us gets under somebody's skin or they get under our skin. This has happened to me (before you got here) and the sparks indeed flew. I contemplated running away and never coming back. Some have run away and never come back. But this group is valuable and honest and unique, and I couldn't tear myself away.

You remind me SOOOO much of my bf. Before he started seeing this therapist if he was challenged he would instantly get really defensive and come down on you like a ton of bricks. Lately he still does it some, but he quickly comes back in the room and wants to hear what you have to say. He now sees that just because something irritates the snot out of him doesn't mean it isn't true. In fact, it probably means it is true. I admire him immensely for allowing himself to learn this.

The internet is such a beautiful medium. No one knows who we are, what we look like, what kind of car we drive, how much money we make. Everything anyone knows about us comes only through these little words typed in these little boxes. It's utterly pure. WHERE can you get this kind of interaction and feedback anywhere else on the planet? Nowhere, that's where.

Many a time I've gotten mad at something, especially at things that certain people have posted to me-- but you know what-- they are reacting to the way I came across in the teeny boxes. That's a very valuable thing-- especially for me as a writer-- to know how I come across in writing.

So don't run off. Someone challenged you. So what. Cobra has posted some very wise things here and on other threads. We all have stuff to learn from each other, so do like they say in alanon: "Take what you want and leave the rest."

Your presence has added a lot to the discussion. So don't just take your marbles and go home. Don't make so many rules for yourself about what threads to post in or whom to reply to. Just be yourself and you'll be fine.

Cobra, you are one articulate son-of-a-gun. Glad you've joined our little festival. Is the Sam V group on yahoo? Or can you supply a link to it. I've long suspected my bf has narcissistic tendencies. I've read a couple of books on the subject and have seen him lurking there.