Now I know why I don't like 1-on-1s
It's the introductions. All the little "hi" "hi" "how are you" "not so great" "awwwwwwWWWWWWWww why???" kinda things that go on that just d r a g i t o n longer than it should be. I want to be able to just jump right in and start laying down my thoughts. But instead I'm just sitting around waiting for the next line of script.
This, of course would be easier with someone who already somewhat knew me. But I don't have anyone that knows me who is willing to talk about stuff so :')
@Phthalo yeah can I relate. *hugs* I have social anxiety disorder and I prefer deeper topics too. Plus having to explain depression/mental health to someone you don't know is really rough. :( I usually make friends by talking to their cats first instead. =D
@Daydreamer47 I'm that way to. I'll talk to someone's pet--doesn't really matter what kind of animal provided it's not bugs & spiders--before I talk to them. It's the animal that bridges the gap.
@Phthalo You know, I do get your point. However, you have to keep in mind that the listeners here are also human beings. And also, we're volunteers. We don't get paid to be here. We're here because we want to help and devote some of our time to people in need. So I honestly think that the least a member or guest could do would be to say hello first, maybe introduce themselves briefly if they feel comfortable and maybe even ask the listener how they're doing as well. To me, it is common sense, really. I would personally find it very rude of someone to not even say a hello and just start typing up novel length messages. Things here are supposed to be done relatively fast. It's generally not very convenient for a listener to have a chat going for longer than an hour. As someone else suggested, however, if you look for a long term listener, that problem would be solved, because you would be able to talk to them multiple times and get to know them a little and sort of open up more and be more comfortable. So, perhaps that is what you should try.
@SkylerBlack77 I was just stating the way I feel, don't be so offended
I joined 7 cups yesterday and it meant a lot for me to receive those welcome messages. To me it's important. That way it helps one to open up.