Starting to wonder if there's any point to SW for me anymore 🖤

I think I need to stick to checking in on the people I care for and less trying to interact like this an effective public forum. I've had so much fun over the years, and I know I get sad sometimes, but I don't feel like I really interact through posts anymore. All the quippy fun and support turned silent. I reply to a lot of posts and it's often not acknowledged at all, sometimes even obviously avoided, so I've stopped trying with a lot of people. I see a post and want to join in, but I know there's no point.

I feel like I'm talking to a wall.

I used to love popping on here with some sillies, but most the people that used to laugh with me avoid me now.

I know it's fine, this place changes, I've been around since EP. And it doesn't have to be the experience I want or used to have. I love some of you guys. While my life went through dozens of big changes, some of you were there. Losing my parents, traveling the country in a van, the cancer freak out, an abusive relationship... I've been through some shit all up in this place.

But for the passed few months, it feels as lonely here as it does irl and I wonder if it's time to stop trying to be part of the activity. Fade away into the background. Ultimately it's not about me, I see plenty of people enjoying themselves. I'm aware the algorithm doesn't help.

So maybe it's time to fade away a bit. Stop expecting this place to supplement my sillies and understand my time here is dwindling.

I'll always love you guys. I really would have a big party and invite (most) everyone from SW. Even the people who act like I don't exist anymore.

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TinyViolins · 31-35, M

As someone that's always been on the outside looking in, I feel you. Who wants to come to a place where no one wants to interact with you? It's one thing if people try and it doesn't go anywhere. You'll never be everyone's cup of tea. But when your inbox sits empty for several months at a time, it does make you wonder if anyone even notices you. If you're already feeling low it makes you feel downright worthless.

But over the last decade I've come to realize that this place is not about making friends. It can happen for sure, but this site doesn't do a whole lot to facilitate it. EP was designed to help people see others like them. Our feed was populated by groups we belonged to. There was a section for stories, a section for q & a, a section for confessions. There was also instant messaging. There were paths for everyone to find what resonated with them.

This site just smashes everything together and has us sorting through the debris to find anything meaningful. It's cacophonous and impersonal. It leaves most people grasping in the dark to find someone who gets us.

Can't say I've had success here. Doubt it'll ever have it, but I'm okay with that. Building a life outside of here was really the key to finding a healthy balance. I can come here for lighthearted stuff and the occasional vent. I can find nourishment for my soul when I log off. Far too many people use this place as a crutch and ultimately do themselves more harm by expecting online strangers to fill the voids in their lives.

I hope you find what's best for your mental health. If that means goodbye forever, then it was a pleasure knowing you. If you pop in from time to time, then I'll be happy to see you're still around. You're a good soul in a world that seems to be running out of them. But I guess even the stars in the night sky never get to know their own brilliance. They can only be appreciated at a distance. Just know that your presence is appreciated