DiscussMormonism.com

Since I've been accused in the past of making everything about me, it's only fair that I actually do that once in a while. So, here goes.

This morning I was reflecting on everything that has happened to me since I started posted on this and other boards, and it got me thinking that just about everyone here has had the kinds of ups and downs and major changes I have.

I went through marriage problems, depression, a suicide attempt, stalking from a deranged Southern Utah fanboi, getting published (twice), having hernia surgery (also twice), a burglary, kids having problems and triumphs, real progress in my marriage, gray hair, moving back to Utah, and a whole lot more.

And through it all, everyone here (well, for the most part) has been supportive and kind to me, despite my occasional irritability and sarcasm. Another board made me promise never to mention my depression again as a condition of posting, whereas here I can talk about it openly and know that people care about me. I hope you know I care about you, too, even those who consider me an enemy or at best a cynic.

Yes, this place can be a bit rough, and I often wish we could improve some of the tone here, but in all honesty, you (again, not all. LOL) are wonderful people who have given me a lot of insight and inspiration. I'm sincerely happy to know all of you and count you as friends.

In all this time on Mormon-related boards, I have met some of the worst people I know, but mostly the best people I know. Whether you're a believer or a critic or the "two-faced king of anti-Mormon mockery" like me, you're here because you believe in what you say, you are passionate about what you believe is the truth. To me, that says a lot about you.

Obviously, I know some of you better than others, and some in real life. But I wanted you to know how thankful I am to have friends like you.

That is very touching Runtu but I am not changing my mind about the loan.

Is Runtu new here?

Fence Sitter wrote:That is very touching Runtu but I am not changing my mind about the loan.

Heartless bastard.

I'm glad you are posting and I enjoy when you come to chat. You have inspired me. I admire the way you have been able to let go of caring what other people think about you.

When I grow up, I hope to be a little more like you, Run.

Runtu wrote: I hope you know I care about you, too, even those who consider me an enemy or at best a cynic.

Obviously, I know some of you better than others, and some in real life. But I wanted you to know how thankful I am to have friends like you.

Runtu, you've extended your friendship to me, and I'm a snarky bastard. This says much about your character. Thank you.

H.

Another board made me promise never to mention my depression again as a condition of posting, whereas here I can talk about it openly and know that people care about me.

<Smilie needed here> The opposition demands us to take responsibility for our psychological issues. We do. Instead of turning anger inwards, we work to change the culture which nurtured those problems.

Runtu, you're one of those guys who's impossible to dislike reasonably. If someone has a problem with you, it's an defect with their personality, not you.

Hope you have a great holiday, sir!

Some Schmo wrote:Runtu, you're one of those guys who's impossible to dislike reasonably. If someone has a problem with you, it's an defect with their personality, not you.

Hope you have a great holiday, sir!

Thanks! You too!

There are very few people I can say I truly dislike. I don't even dislike my favorite stalker or his doppelgangers. I used to feel bad that they had such feelings against me, but there's nothing I can do about it. Sometimes you just rub people the wrong way, no matter what you do.

Runtu,

Thank you for the disclosure. I, for one, greatly enjoy your participation both here and over on post-mo. IMHO you come up with a lot of good insights, and more importantly, you communicate them very well.

As someone who has been accused of being an an arrogant, scientisitic dogmatist (apostate), I would not worry too much about some of the labels that certain individuals might tag you with. These labels and tags serve as important coping mechanisms for these individuals, and believe me, some of these individuals would be just plain miserable without them.