(This isn't directed at anyone in particular and I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't miss your friends. I'm simply making a general statement about people leaving LPSG, the reasons for it and associated misconceptions. There have been a lot of 'I miss....' threads recently, so I thought I'd post this.)
Quite often, people choose not to return - plenty have returned after being banned. It is possible to return after a ban. Some feel they are spending too much time here, so they take a break/leave. Sometimes, real-life issues keep them away. I miss many people. But, I respect their reasons for taking a break from LPSG - whatever they may be. Personally, I love LPSG. It's greatly enriched by the presence of lovely people. I've made some good friends here and when they aren't posting, I think about how they might have responded to a thread, or dealt with a situation. I've lost touch with many people; some are still active members. I'm not happy about it, but ultimately - it's my fault. I was too wrapped-up in my own problems to send a simple PM, or get their e-mail address etc. It would be very easy to blame the site rules or other members for that, but it's the job of the individual(s) to maintain friendships.
The fact of the matter is, if someone doesn't post or stay in contact, they choose not to - or are too busy/distracted to do so. Too often, silly arguments and pride keep people from being themselves and enjoying life. Yes, I know what it feels like to be called names and lose friends - but I'm still here. When people fall-out, it can be hard to adjust - but it's perfectly possible to be friends with the enemy of your other friend. Some people won't get along, but everyone involved should be mature enough to forget the past and move on. Particularly here, where an ignore feature exists. By not posting or blaming others for my loss, I would be lying to myself. I like it here and want to post, so I do. Those that don't, won't. Besides, what incentive is there for those people to return when their friends are all miserable or away? They never came here to be miserable and alone, they came here for fun and interaction with friends. I can only hope that one day, those people will return. In other words, I just want us to have an LPSG-wide hug and have flesh-piles again. :grouphug: :smlove2:
