I am a natural cynic but somewhere along the line I decided life was nicer when I thought the best of people so long as thinking the best of them didn't hurt me. As a result, I tend to be a fairly upbeat person.
Occasionally though I will encounter people in forums or real life that simply feel the need to think the worst of everyone and everything. Frankly, every time I encounter someone like that, I find it depressing. Unfortunately, I think it can also make me negative if I don't take a step back and realize that its happening.
So if I have been negative, I apologize. I think I am going to give up on the forums here for awhile because I really don't have anything constructive to say.
I'm a spender that is saving for retirement and trying to get out of debt and stay out of debt. I think the forums have really become more focused on the people who are natural savers to whom self deprivation comes naturally. Hopefully the blogs will stay focused on people's attempts to save money and pay off debt.
Negativity
June 19th, 2009 at 04:12 pm
June 19th, 2009 at 04:43 pm 1245429839
I think you are doing a good job. It is only natural to want more things when you are young.
June 19th, 2009 at 05:01 pm 1245430890
I agree with Ima; definitely stay here in the blogs section! It's much more supportive and helps me stay positive; I know what you mean about other people's negative attitudes making your own negativity resurface. I have quit several forums because they were populated by monsters who were turning me into a monster too, whenever I posted on them.
June 19th, 2009 at 06:33 pm 1245436381
I tend to be a um cynic as well. Actually, it's hard for me to see the "positive side" of anything. That's also why I have to constantly force myself to say, "on the bright side".... So, perhaps I contribute to the general negativity of the forums and the blogs as well.
On the other hand, boys tend to "play" a little differently, and I think the majority of the forum members are male.... Males are a bit more competitive and critical, you know, generally speaking. And as a guy I haven't noticed anything bad, but then, I'm a guy right? And for all I know, because I'm a guy, I may have contributed to that environment.
If I did, I'm sorry. I remember that the forums used to be a very caring and supportive place. I think it's still like that to some extent, but I agree it's not what it's used to be.
I don't think I'm a natural frugal either. I know I never was once a upon a time, and I still struggle with it now.
Anyway, I hope that you will decide to stay somehow. I think the community is great only because great people stayed and helped make it that way. With the forum stuff, I hope that you will just ignore us boys being boys.
June 19th, 2009 at 10:03 pm 1245449005
June 20th, 2009 at 12:30 am 1245457853
I rarely go into the forums. Haven't the energy. Talk is cheap if your life is perfect.
June 20th, 2009 at 01:42 am 1245462138
As to you BA, I was not referring to you nor have I EVER seen you contribute to the negativity. I apologize if I wasn't clear, I promise I wasn't trying to panic anyone.
As to the forums, I am not sure they are any more negative than usual but combined with the general negativity of the current economic conditions (and everyone deciding that the best response is starvation and deprivation even when it doesn't really impact them), I just can't handle that anymore.
June 20th, 2009 at 02:02 am 1245463367
June 20th, 2009 at 04:34 pm 1245515656
If i had to characterize the people here, yes, there are some natural savers here, but i think more people are struggling with debt issues and looking for support.