There has been a lot of talk on here how certain people are afraid to come out of the woodwork and open up to the community. Being shy by nature is one thing. Being shy because you fear not being accepted or you don't match up to other active members of the community is another.

This is a community with open doors. Sure, I, myself have been involved in some debates. However, nobody will ever be scrutinized or discriminated for being themselves. And if this should happen, I have faith that the moderators would take necessary action to maintain the open, friendly community.

Society can be down right cruel. We know this. We've all been there. Being crapped on is not fun. However, I truly believe this community is different. It is obviously a community that deals with weight loss, hence the name. I think it is the LAST place you will be treated differently because of your weight.

I don't care if you are 80 lbs or if you are 800 lbs. You will be welcomed into this community with open arms.

That said, I want to know, who are you?

Now, I am sure each of us have journals that we explain in explicit detail the inner-workings of our lives. But this is a chance to get to know others easily. I guess this, if it works, will sort of be like speed-dating.

There are a lot of journals out there, and if you are not active in the community, chances are high that you are not going to get much traffic in your journal.

Genuine friendships are established on this forum, which I think is great. However, you have to put yourself out there if you are really going to get to know people.

So, the way I thought this thread would work is this:

If you know the poster above you, say so. Also add something that you know about him or her.

For instance, if you know me, you might say, "I know Steve and he is an amazingly huge dork."



If you don't know the poster above you, you must note this as well as tell us something about yourself.

For example, if you didn't know me your post might look something like this:

"I don't know Steve." And, "I am here to find a weight loss buddy." Or, "I have 100 lbs to lose and was hoping someone could check out my diet that I posted in my journal found at xxxxxx."

You get the gist.

It might be a really stupid idea, and nobody will play along. If so, I tried. LOL. I just know that there are a lot of new people around here and not everyone feels comfortable enough to open up. Some fear starting a journal b/c they don't know anyone and they may not get visitors. Whatever the case may be, this is an opportunity to get to know everyone.

Hi Steve.

I'll jump in. No, I don't know you but I've read many of your postings and find them very helpful. Only made a few postings myself, but I'm trying to get out there. I'm married to the best man on the planet (for 20+ years), have 3 great kids (most of the time anyway), and for the first time in my life I find that I"m not fighting 10 vanity pounds, but rather need to lose 35 pounds!

Keep posting - I've already book-marked several notes from you.

I don't really know Steve... but...

I think his intentions here are good, he does genuinely help some people... and puts up with a lot of good natured teasing... makes him a good sport he doesn't have a lot of patience when it comes to some experts who find their way in the front door, which is sometimes good entertainment

Me? I'm a a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key.

I don't know Maleficent, but I do read most of her postings as she's the uber-poster (besides Steve) on this board.

She also has a really, really helpful nutrition post which is stickied in the Nutrition section. I go back and read this from time to time, especially when I get wind of some new fad - just check the Nutrition thread and if it's not there, it's probably not gonna be a good sustainable food.

I am Indy, and I am trying to get healthier and stronger before the summer, when I will be doing some hiking and swimming and biking. I am not necessarily here to lose weight, although I have been losing weight (I was on the high end of the healthy weight spectrum for my height) and am inspired by all of your stories. Very inspired. You all have strength and conviction and are making real progress. My favorite area of the board is the Harsh Truth Area.

I dont know Indy, but only joined today. Good luck with your summer plans, they sound ace! And I must find the harsh truth sections, still finding my way around, but thought sod it, i'll jump in!!

Im Kate, and have just started my journal. Have 10minutes to go til I have to work out, so not up for it, but determined to get exercise to be a fun part of my life, any hints or tips please feel free to tell me in my journal Indian Summer's Diary, in the motivation section,

Ta,

Kate xx

I don't know Kate at all -- because she's new, I guess. But I'm glad you're here, Kate.

I'm the oldest guy on this forum ( I can say that until someone challenges me, right? ) - I'll be 59 yrs. old in July. I'm half way through the weight loss part of my journey, with 35 pounds lost, and 35 to go. It has been very, very hard work, laced with lots of humor and good support from WLF'ers.

I have been married for 30 years and with my darling wife for 33 years. We have two grown kids - a 27 year old son who's a fashion designer in San Francisco, and a 23 year old daughter in L.A. who works in the restaurant/night club industry. They are both wondrous kids, full of ambition and drive, and regale us every week with their latest exploits.

I do know Tom. I can say that he is one of the hardest working people on this forum. And even though he doesn't know it, he has built a great base of knowledge. So if you have questions, he is a viable person to turn to with regards to fitness and/or nutrition.

Great person, willing to learn, intelligent, caring. Just a fine person to know in general.

That said, if you don't know him, I suggest stopping by his journal. It is a motivating place!

Hmmm, I imagine I will be in this thread a lot since I started it. Many know a lot about me already, so I will drop bits and pieces about me that you may not know already each time that I post in here.

For starters, I am 25 years old. My bday is coming up, hint hint!

Oh yea, and I am engaged! Betcha didn't know that!

Sorry to interrupt the "chain," but I saw that JLynne's was skipped over since her and Mal posted at the same time.

Thanks for the kinds words! I don't know you, but hope that changes soon.

Engaged? when do you have the time? good god, do you have 30 hour days or something? congratulations...

Steve, again, I don't know, but he's a good cheerleader... and is supportive of folks.

No wonder you didn't say anything about my offer to introduce you to my daughter! And thanks for the kind words, Coach.

Well, maybe not but they can't prove otherwise...

Tom, is simply one of the most helpful guys here. Always around with a piece of advice or a kind word. The kind of "cool neighbor" anyone would want to have. Tom also thinks he is the oldest one here, but in fact I know many people much older than him in real that are half his age.

I am a crazy ukulele playing, former pro wrestlin, english teaching, guy having the time of my life 10,000km away from home. Could I sum it up anymore than that?

I figure Tom will come visit me in China someday.

Might sound crazy, but if you had asked me 3 years ago if I would ever be fit and be able to speak Chinese, I would have laughed...

再见！

sirant

Sorry for going out of order but catching jlynne

I know jlynne, we met last night. She's already kicked 10 pounds and doesn't have a diary yet (hint hint)

My name is Debi, I started losing weight a year ago January and have lost 85 pounds I think I have about 30 to go...it's really hard to *know*. I tend to never shut up, and am around a lot so if anyone needs to talk, feel free to yell

well i know Sirant a little...........he has some really great posts and seems to know his stuff..........he is also a good sport!!!!!
Him and steve have some good convos............check him out!!!!
he's cool!!
STAR

I dont know M2M but I do read a few of her posts

I'm Lindsey...here for support and knowledge.

Outgoing, independent andddd hmmmm...I'm an account executive (boring desk job) but my passion is art and anything that has to do w/ outdoors

star is a total weight loss star - she's dropped over 100 lbs and has a great attitude... she's incredibly supportive of her fellow forum dwellers and she lives in Wyoming -what a cool place to live