The Best and Worst on Tug, a Friend for Life

[Panina]

The best and worst of us here on Tug is a matter of opinion but I am stunned at times by some of the posts.
I have always believed you find out more about people in hard times.

I am trying try to say this delicately as I do realize stress is a factor to consider.

Bottom line is we all are in this together and thinking for a moment on how to say something in a post can bring down the temperature for many.

Kind of reminds me of why I left facebook.
I will not leave Tug. Here on Tug I just am ignoring what l feel is disturbing. I personally do not appreciate personal attacks of others or stating things as facts when they are opinions. And don’t get me started on the political innuendos that keep occurring.

The amazing outcome of these hard times is some of my relationships with tuggers are now stronger.

I even had my first phone conversation with a tugger yesterday. For a long time we emailed each other, supporting each other, no judging. Throughout time we truly became friends. It didn’t feel like it was the first time we were on the phone with each other. It was like we were old friends. It made my day and made me realized I got the best of Tug, a friend for life.

 

[DaveNV]

Agreed. I'd like to hope I'm not among those you are finding disfavor with. I try to keep things light, helpful, and honest, for the benefit of everyone. I'm not interested in judgment, politics, or game-playing. And I certainly am not one to ever intentionally insult anyone.

Dave

 

[Panina]

Agreed. I'd like to hope I'm not among those you are finding disfavor with. I try to keep things light, helpful, and honest, for the benefit of everyone. I'm not interested in judgment, politics, or game-playing. And I certainly am not one to ever intentionally insult anyone.

Dave

If everyone was like you, I wouldn’t need to express what I just did. Always enjoy you posts.

 

[Beachclubmum]

I just want to add that I always enjoy your posts Panina. I hope one day that will be a tug live stream that has you on it! Maybe you could give us a tour of your new home...I so enjoyed reading about your move to downsize. Winnie too!

 

[Tank]

Times are a changing, well put keep safe and plan on trips to come.
Dave

 

[elaine]

Hi. Panina! just wanted to say I really enjoy reading your and other's posts and appreciate your Keys sightings! Too bad I didn't take one--as other trips got canx!
YES, we're all in it together. This is my virtual social connection, having replaced coworkers daily chats.
So, on TUG maybe we should think how we would react in a work setting to something we disagreed with? I think maybe politely expressing a different opinion should be considered--or not at all.
I want to hear what others are thinking--whether left, right, centrist, etc. We are in DC area, so a very different viewpoint likely from someone in the midwest, etc. Certainly different views than a lot of our neighbors in coastal NC requirement community.
We're all here to support each other. Elaine

 

[Brett]

The best and worst of us here on Tug is a matter of opinion but I am stunned at times by some of the posts.
I have always believed you find out more about people in hard times.

I am trying try to say this delicately as I do realize stress is a factor to consider.

Bottom line is we all are in this together and thinking for a moment on how to say something in a post can bring down the temperature for many.

Kind of reminds me of why I left facebook.
I will not leave Tug. Here on Tug I just am ignoring what l feel is disturbing. I personally do not appreciate personal attacks of others or stating things as facts when they are opinions. And don’t get me started on the political innuendos that keep occurring.

The amazing outcome of these hard times is some of my relationships with tuggers are now stronger.

I even had my first phone conversation with a tugger yesterday. For a long time we emailed each other, supporting each other, no judging. Throughout time we truly became friends. It didn’t feel like it was the first time we were on the phone with each other. It was like we were old friends. It made my day and made me realized I got the best of Tug, a friend for life.

I think you need a big hug

 

[VacationForever]

Panina, I have to say that I really enjoy reading your responses to many of the politically skewed posts. You showed us how you were calm but firm and responded with good reasoning in calling them out.

 

[Panina]

I think you need a big hug

So do you. Here’s to a virtual Tugger group hug.

 

[Panina]

Hi. Panina! just wanted to say I really enjoy reading your and other's posts and appreciate your Keys sightings! Too bad I didn't take one--as other trips got canx!
YES, we're all in it together. This is my virtual social connection, having replaced coworkers daily chats.
So, on TUG maybe we should think how we would react in a work setting to something we disagreed with? I think maybe politely expressing a different opinion should be considered--or not at all.
I want to hear what others are thinking--whether left, right, centrist, etc. We are in DC area, so a very different viewpoint likely from someone in the midwest, etc. Certainly different views than a lot of our neighbors in coastal NC requirement community.
We're all here to support each other. Elaine

Perfectly said “politely expressing a different opinion”

 

[dayooper]

Always the voice of reason @Panina

 

[Talent312]

I prefer to hide my true identity.
The conversation would go like this:

Me (Clouseau): "Do I detect something in your voice that says I am in disfavor with you?"
TUG'er (Dreyfus): "YES! I wish you were DEAD!"
Me (Clouseau): "Well, of course, you are entitled to your opinion."
-- dialogue from Return of the Pink Panther (1975)

<said in jest, in case anyone takes it seriously>

 

[bbodb1]

@Talent312 Does your dog bite?

 

[Talent312]

Does your dog bite?

Ha! -- No.

[Dog Bites]... I thought you said your dog does not bite.
That is not my dog.
.

 

[swditz]

The best and worst of us here on Tug is a matter of opinion but I am stunned at times by some of the posts.
I have always believed you find out more about people in hard times.

I am trying try to say this delicately as I do realize stress is a factor to consider.

Bottom line is we all are in this together and thinking for a moment on how to say something in a post can bring down the temperature for many.

Kind of reminds me of why I left facebook.
I will not leave Tug. Here on Tug I just am ignoring what l feel is disturbing. I personally do not appreciate personal attacks of others or stating things as facts when they are opinions. And don’t get me started on the political innuendos that keep occurring.

The amazing outcome of these hard times is some of my relationships with tuggers are now stronger.

I even had my first phone conversation with a tugger yesterday. For a long time we emailed each other, supporting each other, no judging. Throughout time we truly became friends. It didn’t feel like it was the first time we were on the phone with each other. It was like we were old friends. It made my day and made me realized I got the best of Tug, a friend for life.

I found and joined tug 7 years ago. I only post or reply if I feel i have something of value to offer. I do think of the people here as friends, although we've never met. When I see some of the harsh responses it feels like someone is attacking a friend and that is uncomfortable. Especially when by someone I also think of as a friend.
I don't think It is a coincidence that it is the people whom are consistently respectful and polite that I look for and read their posts or replys. I feel I know quite a few of the people here and that is why I check in every day!
Scott

 

[JudiZ]

I'm with Scott! I have been kicking around TUG for a long time. It is actually the only "social media" site to which I belong. I'm not sure it qualifies as such, but it feels like it to me. I did a short 6 week stint on FaceBook and quickly made an exit. I truly don't understand the allure. Anyway, I, too recognize the people who I know and trust on TUG. I also know the people whose posts I avoid. There are so many people here, Panina, you in particular, who have a wealth of knowledge and kindness to match. I have learned a lot from you and much appreciate what you and some others have to offer.

As for politics, thanks but no thanks. I live in NH. That's enough politics for me!

Thank you!

Judi

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

Same for me TUG is the only one of these that I visit.

It is actually the only "social media" site to which I belong. I'm not sure it qualifies as such, but it feels like it to me.

 

[pittle]

I love TUG and check it several times a day. (I was here before the June 2005 conversion to this style BB) I always check the Mexico board first, as that is where our timeshares are.

Next, I check the Lounge to see what is going on with everyone. I have learned some interesting info and usually look for the educational and positive posts. I realize that some folks need to rant or vent somewhere so I take their posts with a grain of salt. I prefer to be positive and encouraging with my posts. If I cannot be helpful, I just do not respond. I do not want to be a "Debbie Downer".

As a fairly private person, I do not share many private details about myself or family. The Mexico folks know more about me than the Lounge folks. But everyone knows that I love Kansas basketball, live in the suburbs of Phoenix and both our sons live not far away.

Overall, most TUG folks are friendly, helpful, and positive. The ones that I have met in person have been awesome!

 

[b2bailey]

Don't even know how long I've been a TUG member -- maybe in my Profile? But it's been awhile. I'm one of those who have posted very private matters because I appreciate hearing feedback from people I respect. Or maybe just needing encouragement. Sometimes a friend or family member is too close to give objective opinion. Reminds me of the time I was in a difficult job situation. My husband told me to quit. I felt his judgement was clouded by his love for me. Fortunately the company offered free counseling through employees assistance program. Saw an off-site counselor for several sessions. Came to the same conclusion, so tendered my resignation. Years later I learned my impossible boss had been undergoing treatment for in-vitro, so at least a partial explanation for why she called me at home (in CA) from NYC at 5 am ET asking me questions I could only answer from my desk at office. Just one of many bizarre moments.

 

[pedro47]

Forgive me Panina, if I have personally attack you or anyone else on this website.

I ask for forgiveness.

 

[klpca]

Yep - we were just talking about this last night at dinner (not tuggers - other people in our lives). Crisis response has run the gamut. As much as I would like to get upset (and I can't help but feel upset at times) I try to remember that not everyone is good in a crisis. My husband and my boss have been very calm. My mom is off the deep end. Others are in the middle. The only problem that I am having is the amount of anger that, I am sure, is about the situation that we are all in, but gets redirected at the closest target even if they have nothing to do with the situation. Tug is a small microcosm of the "real world" and the personal attacks are hard to watch. I am glad for the ignore feature. For me it helps to not see certain posts. Sometimes I check with without logging in to see what I've missed. Yikes. Sometimes I have to step away.

I cannot wait for this crisis to pass - and it will. I hope that relationships aren't permanently damaged. Go ahead and type in the angry response, but you don't have to hit post. Let it sit for awhile - it will still be there - and see if waiting to post helps to see things differently. We are simply not going to see things the same way. I know that I have posted this in the past, "if we all liked the same things we wouldn't be able to find our car in the parking lot", so just let stuff slide when you can.

 

[chapjim]

Ha! -- No.

[Dog Bites]... I thought you said your dog does not bite.
That is not my dog.
.

Okay, that did it!! I'll have to drag out the old Pink Panther movies.

 

[presley]

Let me know if I go off the rails. I know that I have it in me to do that and I certainly don't want to do that.

I almost went off on someone here today because I'm tired of the doom and gloom posts and beating a dead horse about what other people should be doing. Honestly, I still feel like I might end up doing that, but it isn't anyone who has posted in this thread and "they" probably won't be in this thread because it's too positive.

 

[Panina]

Forgive me Panina, if I have personally attack you or anyone else on this website.

I ask for forgiveness.

You need no forgiveness. Your posts are always so kind.

 

[normab]

People deal with their frustration differently. I have a good friend who is politically opposite to me, so we have agreed not to bring politics into our friendship. Well, she needs hydrochloroquine for her lupus and is concerned about a shortage for her indication. So she is blaming anyone and everyone she can...it’s not as if anyone and everyone wanted this virus, but in her frustration she is just looking to place blame. As are many others.

I am a problem solver. Placing blame is a waste of time. Figuring out what can be done and working toward resolution is constructive. And sometimes you find out you need to change course. It’s what happens.

Getting into political bickering will not solve this problem.

Thanks for your posts Panina. Hang in there and stay safe.

Norma