I began lurking in '02 and joined in '05. My kids laugh at my continued presence (they are 31 & 35). S told me a few years ago when I was referring to something I read here that I could stop saying I read it on CC and just say I read it on the internet and he would know where I got it. I rarely venture out of the Parent Cafe, but there are many nice people with lots of helpful information here. I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon, although I take a short break every now and then. I’ve been here long enough to miss people who have left and those who have been here a really long time know we have lost a few members to cancer. You can stay forever!
Definitely addicted. I also enjoy giving advice, and I’m afraid my son has had enough - but CC has a neverending supply of kids wanting an advice!
@2VU0609 - my son (now age 30) said the same thing a few years back - I didn’t have to specify that I read it on College Confidential, I could just say the boards. There have been a couple of instances where he asked me to come here for info, like when he was going to a new city. Also once DH was going to a non-touristy part of Russia and I decided to see if I could track down info on the hotel. I was unsuccessful in the Parent Cafe but did get a response from the International Students!
I see no reason to ever leave the cafe! Many many familiar posters and I even set up a meet the year we moved to San Diego. I may do that again next year…
Yes, I am hoping S19 finishes his apps this weekend as promised. He has a good list but I can’t shake this fear that he will learn about a different perfect opportunity in 3 months after it’s too late. He’s searched extensively so it’s a silly fear. I guess because he’s the last and is applying to more competitive schools, I’m more nervous. The girls had pretty relaxed searches.
My singer from my screen name is now 30. So yeah never left. I like the variety of discussions here. I don’t read any of the other forums anymore. I am to far away in time to be of any assistance to others. I would be too far out of date as the music schools change a lot.
I’m more of a lurker than a poster, but I love this site! I feel like I know some of you and there is always helpful information here.
We are pretty darn wonderful, aren’t we.
Hmm, I was here for my kids (last one started college in 2014), left for a bit, then came back when volunteer counseling at school became a possibility. That hasn’t worked out due to my need to be gone so much with my mom and in-laws yet I’m still here so… addiction is a possibility.
I still have a lad in med school making the medical forums a good source of info for me and I still work at school when I’m home keeping contact with several high schoolers heading to college, often talking about their futures, so I tell myself I have reasons to stay. In reality, there’s a load of very useful information about all aspects of life that can be gleaned from folks here. Once in a while I can offer some myself.
“My kids know when I say something about my “friends”, that there is an 80% likelihood I’m referring to CC people.”
Ugh. Yup. I find myself finding wording to avoid that it’s online.
Several years ago my H actually went so far as to ask me to ask for advice about something on CC! 
Well, you never know what you might learn here. I had never heard of tubing mascara and I love it!
That’s fine, but when you refer to your son as DS to people in real life - you’ve spent too much time on CC. 
Define addicted. (that’s a serious question!)
I could stop any time I want to.
My D2 is still in grad school, probably ~4 more years to go. And D1 works in higher education consulting. Those are my excuses for still being here.
@abasket: I think we have a winner for your question (#32).
What? CC isn’t real life?
My D graduated in May and I’m still here. No plans to leave, either…where else can I discuss everything from colonoscopies to washing machines?
My H sometimes asks me to ask my CC friends when we are stumped. Sure enough interesting answers are promptly posted.
“DS in real life.” Hoo-boy. In real life, I catch myself writing DH, D1, etc, in emails.
Some have made friends on CC and individuls or groups have met in real life. I have a wonderful penpal I met through her CC daughter, 5+ years ago.