No, don't get your hopes up, I'm not leaving. :lol: It has been one year, almost to the exact hour, since I first joined EC. I joined in a bad emotional place, stricken by insecurities and plagued by various mental illnesses. In that year, you have all helped me get so much better, install self-confidence, come out, and have been wonderful friends and invaluable supporters. You have helped me change for the better, I think. Although I'm sure some of you dislike me (and probably with reason), I'm so grateful to every single one of you. I want to thank you all, especially the EC staff for maintaining this wonderful community. You have all been amazing, and have helped me with my problems, ranging from trivial questions to my sanity. I don't think I'm eloquent enough to express how deeply I am indebted to everyone here, so let me just say thank you again. :lol: Forgive me for being sentimental, but EC has done so much for me that I don't know what I'd do without you all.
Awww you'd be missed if you left, but I totally agree. When we were having connection issues I was spazzing out, this place means so much to so many.
You've honestly taught me quite a bit through your posts, whether that's in the manner that you've done it in or your arguments themselves. I honestly think you've been one of the key people here who make this place what it is.
Stories like this is why Bryce, John and Shannon founded EC in 2004... because they, themselves struggled growing up and didn't have anything out to help. It was that same commitment to helping others that led to their donating all of the assets (the domain name, trademark, all the traffic to the site) to the nonprofit organization formed to take over and run the community in 2011. That tiny community started in 2004 has grown into one of the largest online support communities in the world for LGBT people. And Aussie's experience is exactly why the community is here. It's really nice to hear the stories about how EC has changed people's lives and, honestly, I think it's those sorts of stories that help remind the community members who give of their time, information, and resources -- not just the staff, but all of the people who post -- why they're here. Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot
You aren't? Damn. :lol: (Just kidding!) Seriously, I'm glad you are staying. You have worthwhile things to say, and you express yourself well. I could not have done half as well at 16. For that matter, I'm not sure I can do half as well at my current age. :lol: I'm glad you feel you've made progress. I passed my one year mark back in late February. In some ways, I have not gone as far as I'd like. But I have to admit I've made progress in the last year, and I only did that because of the influence of EC.
Aww, it's good to hear how much you've progressed. I agree with Ryuichi, too. It's been pretty rough figuring out things later in life than I expected. Seeing various posts of yours on topics that have been troubling me personally...let's just say that it's made me feel quite a bit better knowing there is someone who actually sees beyond the surface of such matters; a breath of fresh air really. So I feel there's a thanks in order for you as well. (*hug*)
I wish there had been something like EC when I came out. I might not have found the process so lonely and daunting.
