<p>I think it is unfortunate when people don’t treat online friendships carefully. They ARE important and are, increasingly, a larger and larger part of our daily socialization. It is hurtful when someone freezes you out over a misunderstanding or disagreement. I have had this happen to me, and I truly believe it is better to keep the lines of communication open in order to resolve the problem. The hurt is still very real even though the relationship is mainly a cyber one.</p>
<p>Okay then, here goes…
I was an ass yesterday when I got into a heated argument with a Sears rep over an appointment I had to have my warranty appointment on my refridgerator…I have been without for a week now.
I was stuck at home for the 8-5 wait for the repairman to show up. Ironically, I was in my garage , fetching food out of my little fridge when the call came in to make sure I was home. I missed the call and when I called them back, they told me that I would have to reschedule for next Tues.
It wasn’t pretty !</p>
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<p>I am thinking along those lines. I think civilization, that is a stable social structure (including government or what have you), keeps the worst things in check. </p>
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I agree with that. </p>
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I am not sure about that. I am finding that that must not be the case, or why would people choose to be closed minded? It doesn’t make sense to me to hold long term grudges, esp. if overtures have been made by one party to work things out – but some people insist on doing it. It is easier to see things in extremes, I suppose, paint people as all good or all bad? But it is sad when a friendship (online or IRL) goes down the tubes because of one misunderstanding, or a disagreement in one area, and suddenly someone who was seen as a good guy is seen as disposable . . . someone who is beneath contempt, suddenly, as if everything that happened before that was good no longer counts.</p>
<p>Good points, mstee. Hopefully most people really aren’t barbarians at heart, forced to impose artificial or superficial social graces in public. I think some situations, especially emotionally-charged situations, can push people’s buttons. This doesn’t necessarily show their “true colors” but perhaps, rather, what a person might do under stress. </p>
<p>Here, we are experiencing an unfortunate gas shortage. It feels like the 70’s and 80’s all over again, with closed stations and long lines and pumps quickly running dry. It is stressful, and adrenalin is running high, and people are getting surly at the stations. There are reports on the news of fistfights and verbal confrontations when someone accuses another of cutting into line. Are these inherently “nasty” people? Probably not. Are these simply normally reasonable folks who likely are reacting in what is likely an out-of character fashion because of extenuating, stressful or emotionally heightened circumstances? Probably so. Patience is running thin here. And many people couldnt get to their church or synagogue this weekend to pray about it because they were afraid of running out of gas!</p>