#BlogLife925 - Why is introducing myself so hard?

Once again I feel this dread coming over me. I'm fully fledged on 7 Cups and have been browsing through the newbies section and of course there is an introduce me bit...

Eeek can't do it. What can I say? I could piggyback an old thread full of people saying Hi..

I don't want to do that and be lost in a sea of fresh faces, nor do I want to particularly stand out.

It was hard enough trying to write a vague profile, so what do I want to say?

What should my first text say? Without overthinking, I guess it's this.

Hey lil 7 Cup world. This is difficult for me. I'm uncomfy in the spotlight.

I never was much of a talker, always a listener in some aspect or another.

At times I change this and other times I accept it.

I know what it's like to have no-one to talk too, no-one on your side and feel adrift..

So if I can be there for others going through difficulties then I'll assist them to cope easier, hopefully.

Once time passes, then I'm chattier, although I limit people getting too close.

I like gaming on my phone, cop shows and pampering.

I was a Listener on HearMe that was a mixed experience due to how buggy the platform was.

I still didn't do the intro post, instead I find myself answering forum questions, some serious, some lighthearted.

Not taken my first chat either, still on edge. I can't stop thinking about tomorrow I don't wanna call and cancel in case they say it can't be changed.

But if they call me again, then I will, I'm still sore and the pain is spreading, so will hire a professional cleaner, sod it.

Oh I thought of another way to stick it to the UC advisor, I looked for a creative writing course, no such luck, boo.

Maybe I'll find something fun other than customer service or coding, pfft.

Something I am actually invested in, not being forced to do.

Hmm so everyone thus far has been friendly and then I responded to a post about dealing with negative comments from people..

I shared I was sensitive and may take it to heart but also look at if someone's trying to help or just act mean.

The response was if I'm sensitive I shouldn't be online much and indicating what I am even volunteering for, and that I should be thick skinned and expect the worst from others..?!

I wasn't really expecting that answer, but to each their own. I just put I've always been sensitive and will always be that way.

I'm not ashamed of it as many people can relate to it and that I've previously volunteered and know there is good and bad.

Plus I choose to focus on the positives that I've helped many people feel less isolated and stuck before.

To me that text spoke volumes of someone a lil judgemental and a lot jaded.

Why are you volunteering with an attitude like that? I like to keep the peace though so kept that thought to myself.

I don't think it's anyone's place to say change yourself. There are better ways to phrase things like...

Listen as someone new, I just want to make sure you are fully prepared.

There are nice people, but also some not to nice so bear that in mind and if you ever need to vent, pop me a message..

Isn't that much more pleasant?? I tried the Chat feature it said No-one was available, that was a bust unless I wanted to pick someone specific and they were probably offline anyway.

Even though elsewhere I don't really share I found a section called diary entries and just offloaded there.

I just needed to let it out publicly. 

My summary is I agree, there is a lack of support. You're bombarded with welcome messages but everyone says the exact same thing and links to help pages.

It might as well be a bot welcoming you, I find that cold and disappointing.

At least with HearMe you were assigned someone and people jumped to help you, here, you're on your own.

I would much rather a personal message saying Hi, I'm sure you are nervous and overwhelmed is there anything you want to ask?

Also there is just a random list of mentors, you can't search by country or how active they are on the site.

I messaged one and didn't hear back but it is the weekend. I just want someone to talk too but not publicly about unsavoury chats.

Do I steer the conversation or leave? Also it would be easier if they were from the UK.