Do You Think The Board is Like A Real Life Group?

[Ami]

If Yes, How? If No, How is it different?             Thanks,  Ami

[Gabben]

If Yes, How? If No, How is it different?             Thanks,  Ami

When I first glanced your post title line I thought you were asking if the board was like a relief group, then I read again. I don't think that I can respond to "real life group" I just don't know, but I can say that I feel relieved by much of the help and dialogue I get to have here.

[Ami]

Thanks Lise,for responding. I was interested in people's experiences with a group in 3D.Was it the same or different than their expereince on the Board ?
 I am just starting to have a 3D group experience. That is why I was asking.                Ami

[sKePTiKal]

I sure HOPE I'm real!! LOL!!  (that's a joke...)

Yes, Ami, to take your question seriously - people are people and groups are groups, whether in 3-D or online.

Some of the differences are that some people are more comfortable interacting face to face... verbally... viscerally. Others do better online, where there are some built-in boundaries and a bit more distance. This allows people the time to think about things before responding... and this advantage is tremendously valuable for online education discussion boards.... it helps English as a Second Language students interact - in their own timeframe; gives everyone a chance to reflect before responding (tho it's not always used); and without the visual cues of facial expressions/body language there is more danger of being misunderstood - which means that there is more responsibility to be explicit in our communication with each other - say exactly what we mean and add more info than would be necessary face to face.

Other than that? I think we still like, are attracted to, and more on the same wavelength with some people more than others. Just like a 3-D group. I think I see people's personalities radiating from their posts... who they are inside... and so I even have mental symbols for what people look like. Granted, I don't think those symbols are accurate!! And maybe those symbols say more about me, than the people they represent, ya know?

[Ami]

Good Point.Thank you.        Ami

[seasons]

I was interested in people's experiences with a group in 3D.Was it the same or different than their expereince on the Board ?

I've had two wonderful experiences in a 3D group. Of course I was also fortunate to have people in the group that were kind, conciderate, and supportive. It felt safe to share your inside with them, as they began to feel safe they also shared their inner truths, fears and hope.


Yet this board is very real to me. I care truly about others. I believe we are on a journey together, as different as our histories are.
 Most can articulate better than I, so that may be my difference.

Best wishes to you in your 3D group. seasons xo

[Ami]

Thank You, Seasons. I think the 3D group is the same as the Board. That helps!        Love   Ami

[Hopalong]

(((PR...)))

do I bear any resemblance to a beagle?

xo
Hops

[sKePTiKal]

No Ma'am!!   

I see a stylish, artsy, zoftique lady with pale blue eyes... with some zip, zing and a good right hook when called for!! 

[farfaraway]

I think the difference for me is, that you cannot see my eyes...just the other day I was so happy for this board, and I was a mess.  I shared lots and read lots of the other posts each one had something to give from many different perspectives in life.  In the 3D world however, once I met the gaze of another persons eyes, I broke down and collapsed in a chair, uncontrollable pain seized me and I was suddenly in the arms of another who gave me energy and I will say it, human to human Love.  Love is here, I feel it it but nothing could replace the touch, the smell the heart beat of another person who just simply shared their body in the 3D....my eyes show all that is in my world, they are my eyes the windows to my soul.  This is how I feel the difference, believe me this interaction in 3D...was what I was afraid of too.

Far faraway

[Ami]

Zoftique--that is a Yiddish word. That is cute !          Ami

[sKePTiKal]

Ami - Yiddish isn't that different from the Pennsylvania Dutch - low german vs "high" german - dialect.

[Overcomer]

Ami:  This has been my go to group in times of high stress with my Nmom.  It has come and gone......sometimes I am gone for months only to come running back in times of crisis.  It was weird when the group was closed.  It seems like a group that had run it's course.....now it seems to be revving up!!

I also like it because I don't have to go to a meeting.  I can come here anytime.  But, just like a group in 3D it takes time to make relationships.  I recently joined an LMS support group and feel like an outsider.  One post and ignored.  I would have appreciated a little, "wow we know you are reeling....if you need anything just ask...."  However, they post some good info so it is beneficial to me.  I have researched my kind of cancer and it feels good to know what I am talking about....

I think there are some of us who could meet on a cruise and have a good time sharing....we have become friends.

[Izzy_*now*]

Hi Ami

Other board members might find it interesting with one experience I had in group therapy, and might have better words to explain, or will understand.

Our therapist leader encouraged us to be open and honest and share, but warned us about contacting (it was a no-no) another 'patient' on a one-to-one basis.

There was another woman there with whom I related---I think she let her last name slip-- and I called her about her daughter's wedding, but one call led to another and we called each other between group sessions.

---then I saw why it was a no-no. We never challenged each other in Group, as we once did. We sided together, when I believed there were times we ought not to have. Our telephoning each other fell off and somehow it rang true that we were not "the best of buddies" after all--kind of phony.

[Ami]

This thread has really helped me. Thank you so much. I will keep you posted about my 3D group.          Ami