Dear Bucknaway,

Actually I think you may be right, I have hesitated to post on the board about things that are important to me, because some of the responses can be hurtful.

Now my posting is largely limited to responses to others topics rather than starting one of my own. Although my own story (relationship with my boyfriend and our plans for the future) may be moving on a bit next week and I did agree to post again about that because it could be helpful to others.

When rude or ignorant people respond I think the only thing to do is press the ignore button (I have only done that on one poster here) or simply not respond at all to their taunts and continue to dialogue with others who respond constructively, even if critically.