Really? I'm quite surprised as I thought my examples were fairly well balanced blend between empathy/sympathy but also a challenge. Whether you took the challenge or answered the question or not, would of course be entirely up to you, you never have to answer. You can say thanks but no thanks or don't go there or whatever you want.

I guess your post just concerns me a bit because if someone posts a thread I'm assuming they want advice/help & feedback. I would be empathetic in my post but I'd assume by the very nature that they started the thread that it was okay to post.

It worries me that you say that you find my examples hurtful & detrimental, as I'd never ever want to cause that, so would probably chose just not to respond.

I don't know I guess I'm just not seeing what others are seeing in Anthony's post. I'm seeing him say sympathy, empathy is fine just make sure that's not what this forum develops into. Let's not make it all about empathy. He said it's 'creeping' back in here, not that it has become like that or that's it's wrong to desire it or give it.

I do however understand your point about being unique and the kick up the arse. Totally. And people have to respect your boundaries. Sometimes someone being harsh on me just has the opposite affect and makes me shutdown further rather then someone who mixes in a bit of empathy with some toughness.

There is nothing wrong with empathy or sympathy or wanting it, I mean we are human. But in the long term if all you got was this and nothing else I don't know if that would heal you on it's own.