I think it's helpful to reflect that the "best"of us can take offence and overreact. On one occasion some years ago I dared utter some impudent line about one of Barbára Anderson's posts. I criticized her post as "breathless"because it reminded me of the sensationalist stuff about "the end" we'd find in the Watchtower or Awake! I was clear to state it was my opinion.
I had no inkling what Barbara would next do: She looked up my profile on JWN, in which I outlined the circumstances under which I left the organization, disclosing I was gay and had subsequently got my PhD in Clinical Psychology. In her response, Mrs Anderson obliquely referenced these details - details that were totally irrelevant to what I had said and she kind of mocked my "expertise" - something I had not even claimed to draw upon in my comments.
And others on the forum joined in, cheering her on!!! Gulp! For a while, I licked my wounds - but I built a bridge and got over it.
Fact is, when anyone of us dares make a comment, either "for" or "against" something that's been said or claimed, we are - within the limits of the posting rules - fair game. I had hoped Mrs Anderson would stick to the facts of what had been said - but she didn't. I simply had to accept that the "best" of us - on this forum and in life in general - are only human.
I will miss BOTR, just as I miss many others who've notified us they're going. But it is practical wisdom to remember that, wherever you go, you take you - and you meet people who will dismiss what you say as quick as look at you. Dare to speak your mind and, as Mrs Anderson and I both found out, you'll feel some measure of a negative reaction and fight the urge to pay back in some way.
There are no saints - only people doing their best to balance the need for personal honesty with the need for interpersonal diplomacy. And some days we simply and gracelessly fall on our faces.
