Thanks again for your support - it's the hope of posting with other childfree people such as yourself that is the reason I came to this board!! I agree with all your points - if you find any forums that are just for the childfree (don't care about the married or not thing) - send me a message and let me know!!! I think you and I are frustrated because we came to this forum to discuss issues with other childfree people.
That's not to say anyone is against discussing issues with non-childfree people - it's just I can go to a parenting forum or I can do that in person with all the parents I am friends with. I don't know that many childfree people that I live near - so thus - looking for forums such as this, so I can converse online with other childfree people is my goal of visiting here. Simple as that - I'm not here to form a "mini-UN" and make peace between every person on Earth. I'm a realist and don't believe Utopia can exist here on Earth at this time. I am just looking for a childfree forum to talk to other childfree people through...and I agree - I'm not about to accept the sly implications/accusations that I am somehow not tolerant for just being able to read the title of this forum ...while being delivered to me at the same time with a smile and wish for peace.
I came to this forum because the No Kids applies to me - the lenghty discourses on other's parenting problems is what I would read if I wanted to go to a parenting forum. What's not to understand? That has nothing to do with preventing "peace" or coming between people's friendships. Insisting on using the No Kids board for childed-childfree friendships - well - why not use the Buddhist forum instead? I am not Buddhist - so I will never visit the Buddhist forum.
The attitude being directed at us seems to be the very attitude that a lot of parents have with their kids - that they can be everywhere (and yes - I guess they can - it's not against the law!!) - but is it right for them to be everywhere??? Some of us are looking for a little sanctuary in forums like this - and - yes anyone can post that wants to - but it is a matter of "politeness and respect" to turn that right back around!!
I do agree with the former sentiment aimed at me of "politeness and respect" - although in a different light....I respect parenting forums in that I do not visit there to be a cheerleader for parenting - (although I think parents that take parenting very seriously are much needed in this world!!! )- I'm sure a mom visiting mom's forum is looking for other moms to talk to. For the sake of arguement - if I ever did make a friend on a mom's forum - then I would feel more comfortable carrying on the friendship when it relates to non-mom-only issues to our personal e-mails. But - again - I wouldn't be visiting a mom's forum because I'm not a mom. I know I could - again - it's not against the law - but why would I want to?? Just the same as I wouldn't visit a Native-American forum - because I am not Native-American. Not to say I couldn't read what was on there - or even post a question if I felt I needed to be educated on certain points - but I respect they are there to discuss their issues and experiences as Native-Americans with other Native-Americans. I don't know how much more I can simplify the examples so they are understood! I know you feel the same way!!!
It's great certain people are close friends here - no one is prohibiting friendships between any people!!! As suggested I'm sure that friendship could also be maintained on other forums - like flower arranging or roller blading!!
Anyway - it's been nice reading your posts - send me a message if you find the type of Chidfree board that we both seem to be looking for!!! I'm getting tired of defending ourselves too - when I just wanted to find a truly childfree board. Perhaps I should seach for a Childfree/Parentfree board??? :-) Anyway - we're hoping to move to a new area soon that will have a large "No Kidding" group - have you ever been a member of one? Any thoughts or advice if you have belonged to one???
Hang in there...and hope to "see" you on another board!!!! :-)
You are so welcome. I agree with all you have written. I am just not down with the whole "we are the world" attitude when it comes to childfree forums. There should not be a welcome sign that says, "PARENTS ARE WELCOME HERE" if it's obvious that the title of a forum does not reflect it as such. I know one thing - we CF can't go onto a parenting forum with our ideas about being chidlfree because we'd get KICKED OFF or CURSED OUT immediately, but it's okay for parents to come onto a childfree/"no kids" forum and nobody is allowed to make noise about it, but we are expected to be peaceful and get along? Nah, I don't think so.
I know that there is a No Kidding chapter here in Minneapolis, but I haven't attended any of their events yet, but hubby and I are hoping to attend one sooner or later.
At any rate, check your PM box for more info, and I'll see ya around soon!
VLM
