Jimswife wrote:we don't need things all sugarcoating and made to look all rosy
I think some people do, which is fine. It's a very emotionally complicated issue, and I respect everyone's need for the kind of support that works best for them. And I agree, it's inappropriate to try to cram one's own version of "reality" down the throat of someone who may benefit better (or need) another approach, despite how strongly you may feel about it.
That said, I think people on this site are generally very respectful of others (most of the time), but it's easy to misread someone's intentions or miss their point when our perceptions are clouded by emotion. I guess I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and assume they're just trying to be helpful, even if I don't always understand or appreciate their comment or point of view. It's the follow-up exchanges that really tell the tale. If someone rubs me the wrong way or otherwise pisses me off with their attitude or approach, I just try to steer clear of encounters with them in the future and create my own comfort zone.
The last thing I'd ever want to do here is upset someone or make someone feel bad. Plenty of other places to do that, if one were so inclined. We're all in the same leaky lifeboat, after all. Everyone should help bail it out.