I must admit that there have been times I considered leaving and not returning, but they are few and, each time, I realized that it would be very difficult for me to leave here.

I understand what Gregsta meant with trying to feel like I fit in. That's always been something I struggled with and here is no different. I ultimately decided to just plunge in and make people accept me, posting and being nice until they finally gave up.

The online world can be intimidating. And, on occasion, I'm reminded of a short story I read that involved a woman who got into an online relationship with a guy. They started having cyber sex and she finally felt compelled to meet him. Against his wishes, she traveled to see him and found out he was a computer-generated artificial intelligence program. I'm not convinced all of you are real, but I'm sure most of you are.

The acceptance here is what got me to stay originally. The friendships I've developed keep me.