Nik's personal disclaimer
I'm going to be really honest, here. The world has turned into such a p*ssified place that it seems like one can not be brutally honest without being considered mean or negative. I think this is partly due to the whole anti-bullying movement the USA has embraced. While I don't agree with actual bullying, I believe some thin skinned people have managed to turn ANYTHING said that they don't like into "bullying", mean, hateful, etc.
Nik....you have been brutally honest with me in the past. Did it hurt my feelings? Yes....temporarily. Once I got out of my pity party, I realized you were just being honest and the advice you gave was in my best interest. Keep being who you are and keep being honest because you are an ENORMOUS asset to this group.
Surgery: 5/9/12 HW: 302 SW: 287.6 CW: 158
It's time I take responsibility for my sporadic presence here on OH. I admit I've been a bit disenfranchised by this site as of late. I've been here a few years and while it's a great place for support, I don't always find it the most conducive place for HONESTY. When I was a newbie the vets told it like it is and held no punches. I didn't always like it, but I respected that they had walked this walk and maybe I'd do well to at least consider what they say.
Lately it seems if you do that, you're mean. Or negative. I don't like that. So I'm putting folks on notice. I do not, will not, never, EVER BS you. If I think you are doing something harmful to yourself (physically or emotionally) I will call you on it. Don't like it? Block me now. I also expect the same from you guys to me. I know I have sort of a big ego but it is not beyond being able to receive constructive criticism. And truth be told (as Lora can affirm) sometimes I NEED a good smack inna head.
So that's my disclaimer. New folks, know that I tell the truth because I care, not to be mean. If we were great at managing our own lives, frankly we would not have arrived at this particular place in our lives. So sometimes outside perspective can be invaluable. That's where I see my place here and I'm honestly going to try to be around more often.
There. That's all. You may now return to your regularly scheduled fabulosity.
Gee Nik, imagine getting called insensitive on this board... lol........... hell, even you got mad at me when i had one of my "brutally honest" tangents. 
Tough love is the only way i know, and it makes me mad that people want "a pat on the ass"... sorry, but its not like that!
so i dont think you should change, for anybody Ni****rtainly wont.. Love me or hate me, i am who i am.. i dont sugarcoat, and nobody else should.. facts are facts!
---------------(Starting Weight - 365) ------------ (Current Weight - 165) ------------
Word up!
RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!
I come here for help and for a big scoop of "I know whereof you speak!" I kind of wish folks who want only a virtual hug would say that in the original post so nobody would waste time and risk getting smacked around when they offer actual insight and assistance--i.e., help.
I 
tough love. I warm fuzzy love. Heck, I all love!
I have also been lessening my activity on the boards lately. I find I am impatient and irritated by some things on the boards and I know if I responded to someone it would probably be har**** is weird, I am a stubborn ***** at times...well, a lot actually...but I dont want to actively hurt a persons feelings. So it IS important for people to know that no harm is intended.
Everyone has their touchy spots that can make them more sensitive to criticism or even more likely to be snappy or give harsher criticism. There are times I dont want to be nice. There are situations that make me downright mad that people are being nice. But it isnt personal, its me wanting that person to wake up and get their **** together, for THEIR sake. Their bad choices make ZERO difference to me in my life, so the fact that I post a reply, harsh or not, is indicative of my concern for their well being.
But I would like to say...on the topic of being harsh....can people PLEASE do a forum search before posting the "what vitamins should I take" or "is this one week stall normal" or "how many calories should I eat" threads?! No offense, but I skim right over those because there seems to be one every day or more. The answers wont change just because a different person wrote it! It is just slightly irritating to me. Sorry. No, I am not sorry. The darn search button needs to be utilized more! If it has been posted about in the last 48 hours, dont post another thread people! Lol
Many of us have to take a step back from here periodically because we get tired of the accusations of meanness, get frustrated by the refusal of some of the urban myths to die, etc. There are a number of us like you, who call it like we see it (perhaps not as gently as some would like) and do it out of concern, and occasionally get weary of the negative response to that (usually from people with raging post-op hormones). We are who we are, though, and I don;t think that any of us are interested in changing into those who just pat someone on the hand and say "there, there, everything will be ok" if we fear they are heading for a very bumpy road or a cliff.
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
Many of us have to take a step back from here periodically because we get tired of the accusations of meanness, get frustrated by the refusal of some of the urban myths to die, etc. There are a number of us like you, who call it like we see it (perhaps not as gently as some would like) and do it out of concern, and occasionally get weary of the negative response to that (usually from people with raging post-op hormones). We are who we are, though, and I don;t think that any of us are interested in changing into those who just pat someone on the hand and say "there, there, everything will be ok" if we fear they are heading for a very bumpy road or a cliff.
Lora
^ that was actually me, for the past few weeks.. it gets frustrating.. i actually give credit to the people who have stuck around here for the long haul.. id have long my damn mind already lol
---------------(Starting Weight - 365) ------------ (Current Weight - 165) ------------
