Once again...

Just a few thoughts on things I wanted to share..due to recent PMs and threads.


Ageless was started for, and still the main purpose is, support of Age-Gap relationships. I think we do that quite well...and I am proud of what we have built here.

But also, Ageless has grown and adapted over time, and now we have many forums to discuss many other issues. Health, Music, Politics, Religion, Long-Distance relationships....While the site was intended primarily for relationship support, I am proud of the diversity of topics we are able to discuss here, and the way the site has grown to accommodate the interests of the members. Of all the changes we have made in the past couple years, a very high percentage of them were suggested by members, and we always tried to give everyone the opportunity to contribute their opinion about any changes we have made before they were instituted. It has made me happy to be able to give members the things that they wanted out of the site, and to make it all come together to be, or at least what I feel to be, a really nice place to visit and spend time.

I know a lot of members of this site on a more personal level, as I am sure a lot of you do as well, and I consider them all friends. On a lot of levels, what we have built here together is much more than just a website....it's a circle of friends and family. If you ever need anything, whether it would be from an administrator standpoint or as a friend, have no doubt that I will do my best to be there for you. And I know that I can count on all of you to do the same. It's a give and take kind of situation.

We all need help sometimes in different ways, and while now some of us are in the position to be able to give a little, the day surely will come when those who are the givers now, will become the receivers.

So in the spirit of the holidays, I just ask everyone to reread your posts. Sometimes comments, no matter how innocent the intention, can hurt another member. If you see someone in a situation you don't approve of, try to guide them to a more positive situation. If you see someone making a mistake, tell them gently.

Be considerate, be nonjudgemental, be caring. Try to accept that we all are different and unique, and celebrate that. Be good to each other....show compassion for one another....step into someone else's shoes for a while....

And oh my gosh, you all, I have just written a sermon practically. I just care about you all and this site, and I want this place to continue on in the very best manner.

Okay, mush mush, I know...but I really do love you all, you know? *smiles*

i totally agree with what you had to say. i'm glad it's finally been said.

honestly ageless...has been constantly changing over time since i've been here almost 2 years ago. but recently it has been evolving into something less desired not by just me...but many members as well.

i certainly hope this site can return to what it used to be...

SUPPORT(keyword) for age gap relationships and for friendships to be developed with this common interest in mind.

Once again, well said.:)

I also wanted to compliment and thank you on your hard work as administrator as well as the other people that remain professional with their moderation abilities on this site. i know it's truely a thankless job.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Paul

Thank you Jo, that's a beautiful post.

I came here after a 2-year ralationship with a younger man had ended painfully. It is amazing the amount of suport I received from total strangers. I went back and read my first thread and I'm glad I did. The care and support that I received during those awful times was more than helpful and heartwarming.

At that time I was so much in pain, that I couldn't see beyond my own problem and it's true, I only took what was available to me here and wasn't in the position to give.

I came back only a few weeks ago and found the forum changed, for the better I would say.

Eventhough I'm not over the pain yet, I enjoy chatting with other members and listening to their problems as well.

I'm beginning to appreciate quite a few people in here and enjoy knowing them better by discussing other issues as well and by diverting from the relationship subject.

As I said, I'm still hurting from that breakup but getting my mind off it by listening to other people and sharing different ideas. By the same token, helping others to find answers to their problems is very gratifying.

I hope to be able to hang around longer (depending on my working schedule) to gain the trust and to be part of this beautiful friend/family circle.

My posts are sometimes silly or clumsy. It's just the way I am, my head is often in the clouds. Is that OK ?

Anyway, all of you are kind and caring people here, I cannot say I love you because I don't know you well. All I can say is that I respect and appreciate all of you.

With my sercere wishes of joy for the New Year,


Loucine

Jody Great Post!!

Fantastic post, Jody. About the changes in the structure of the site....Ageless is proving that it is able to evolve and grow. While we've been busy adding various other new forums, we have still remained focused on the primary reason that we are here... and that's to provide age gap relationship support. That hasn't changed at all and I don't see it changing. People come here in search of answers regarding age gap relationships. New members are joining us every day same as always. But, now, they have more choices. But, those choices won't cause us to lose focus on giving support .... that is continuing same as always over in Relationship Support.

One the other part of your post... I agree 110%. I also hope that everyone will take the time to stop and think before submitting the post. The written word is much more difficult to interpret than the spoken word so constantly ask questions to seek to understand and take the time to step into the other person's shoes for a while before posting.

I particularly agree with this part:


So in the spirit of the holidays, I just ask everyone to reread your posts. Sometimes comments, no matter how innocent the intention, can hurt another member. If you see someone in a situation you don't approve of, try to guide them to a more positive situation. If you someone making a mistake, tell them gently.

Be considerate, be nonjudgemental, be caring. Try to accept that we all are different and unique, and celebrate that. Be good to each other....show compassion for one another....step into someone else's shoes for a while....

Thank you Jo, for those kind and compassionate words. Has made my day! I, too, came here several months ago for some advice about a vym and received invaluable help from some very wise and wonderful people. Am now casually seeing a ym, just a friendship so far, and doubt will go any further, as we are too different in too many ways.

I hope everyone here has a very Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays.

“what makes the desert beautiful,” said the little Prince, “is that somewhere it hides a well…”

Most people here have beautiful hearts. Although words and emotions are important, it is what we have inside of us that counts.

Disagreement should only serve to enrich our knowledge and not to cause us to grow apart.

Well seems I missed something here once again... Can I please kindly ask you all to refrain from any drama around here unless its between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday thru Friday eastern standard time? Thank you!

Lovely post btw Jody! I think so very highly of you.

Jody, that was beeaaauuuutiful

cmere and give us a kiss!


:D

Originally posted by Nessa
Tracey surfaces Yay!!!!


(((((HUG)))))

*Hugs* Jody...

Said with much eloquence and grace....
And true, to the point and a reminder for all...

*Hugs*

~Dan

Excellent reminder Jody... you are a lovely person and I appreciate all you do around here. You are always fair and that is a beautiful quality to have!

XOXO

Awwww...you guys! You made me all weepy.....Thank you! ((hugs))

Eh, Im just an emotional girl, I suppose. I cry when Im happy, I cry when I'm sad, when Im frustrated, when Im tired. Heck, I even cry when I have a big O! (I know, for another part of the board). Your right, that is a lot of crying! *smiles*

Thank you for being you.....

Linda

don't think we could have anyone better if we would have wrote the order for the person doing your job Jo.

{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}