Harsh Interweb People= Learning how to get a Backbone

So, of course we all have our haterz online. I was talking to my therapist today about how sometimes we come across them in forums. She actually gave me some good advice. To begin, I am extremely passive and sensitive to a fault. So anything slightly negative to downright mean I cry. She told me that being on forums (even ones such as this) can help me learn to become assertive, and speak up for myself when another isn't being very supportive and/or kind. I guess this is "baby steps", so I will eventually be able to speak up for myself in a face to face situation, and not just let someone control me.
So even though I cannot stand negativity, that the hand that life deals you sometimes, and I need to learn how to channel it to become a positive thing.
Make sense?

 

yes

 

Makes perfect sense, and if you are anything like me you will feel the need to speak your mind plenty times on these forums. Plenty practice

 

Good luck on your endeavors, shinysticker.
I hope it all works out for you.

 

thanks for your support. you guys rock!

 

Keep going with it.

 

Makes sense but my online personality is different from my real personality. I think maybe cause I can easily hit the back space if needed. I have no problem telling people how I feel in forums. I have no problem sticking up for myself in forums. But in reality I hold back cause I fear I may offend someone or say the wrong thing.