An Apology to the Forum

[mannys9130]

All,

I’m writing this as an open letter and public apology to the forum. I haven’t been active for quite some time on here, but just before that hiatus I was quite a menace. I don’t seek to excuse what I’ve done, but I want to apologize for it and hope for forgiveness. I joined all of the Mercedes forums initially intending to get and give help within the community. I learned an incredible amount from all of you and I like to think I may have helped a few people too. However, that slowly changed into mere opining and rude criticism from me which was not helpful at all and irritated almost everyone. Shortly after I stopped posting in the forums, I sought out medication and therapy for what turned out to be type 2 bipolar depression. A seriously strained romantic relationship added fuel to that fire, and it all manifested itself as the horribly rude and disruptive behavior I displayed here in the forum. I’ve come back now after getting older, more mature, with properly managed health, and with a level head, to apologize for how I acted. What started as a desire to contribute to the community, ended up as a bunch of garbage which soured the atmosphere and mood of a very friendly forum. This apology is overdue and definitely necessary. I hope everyone has been well.

Mea culpa.

[psaboic]

Well said and written!!

[BWhitmore]

We all go through some tough times in life. The fact that you are now facing and seeking treatment and help for depression is commendable. I too have been through that situation but with the help of family and friends am doing fine now. You might want to look for an organization called DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance) in your area. A great support group - no cost and very friendly.

[Mike D]

Welcome back.

[Diesel911]

Originally Posted by mannys9130

All,

I’m writing this as an open letter and public apology to the forum. I haven’t been active for quite some time on here, but just before that hiatus I was quite a menace. I don’t seek to excuse what I’ve done, but I want to apologize for it and hope for forgiveness. I joined all of the Mercedes forums initially intending to get and give help within the community. I learned an incredible amount from all of you and I like to think I may have helped a few people too. However, that slowly changed into mere opining and rude criticism from me which was not helpful at all and irritated almost everyone. Shortly after I stopped posting in the forums, I sought out medication and therapy for what turned out to be type 2 bipolar depression. A seriously strained romantic relationship added fuel to that fire, and it all manifested itself as the horribly rude and disruptive behavior I displayed here in the forum. I’ve come back now after getting older, more mature, with properly managed health, and with a level head, to apologize for how I acted. What started as a desire to contribute to the community, ended up as a bunch of garbage which soured the atmosphere and mood of a very friendly forum. This apology is overdue and definitely necessary. I hope everyone has been well.

Mea culpa.

I never even noticed.

Glad you are doing better.

[vwnate1]

WELCOME BACK .

[barry12345]

There is an old statistic that 10 percent of people. Will have a mental health issue at some point in their life. The stigma is far less today. The drug industry is continuing to help and I see slow advancements by them.

Avoiding stress is not easy. It is not a healthy thing for anyone though. I really liked your expression of romantic entanglements. That covers a of of ground. I have lived with woman so long personally. I have forgoten what it was like to be free.

I do not remember you but it is good and healthy that you want to come back. This is in general a non aggressive site.

[Clemson88]

I take slights and insults for what they are worth. If the man is saying the truth I try to overlook the rudeness and do so by jailing my emotions. Being right is no excuse for being rude but the internet is no place to expect to be treated right.

I do not remember being involved in a dispute with you or anyone else here. I'm ignorant and I know it. If someone is obviously contentious to the point of losing their ability to be objective or circumspect and respectful of others I bail on the thread.

You have done nothing to offend me so my forgiveness is not to be extended. I respect a man who can say he is or was wrong. I appreciate you doing that. I might suggest that imo, explanations only appear to be excuses which tend to distract the offended and cause them to semi-excuse which means they only semi-forgive.

I'm a totally different person on Tigernet. I'm a hardcore Clemson fan and I'm radically aggressive to those who disagree so please don't go there and find this out firsthand.

I respect your apology and you for being a real man.

[t walgamuth]

Welcome back. Keep up the good work with your medication!

[Dan Stokes]

This is one of the bravest entries I've ever seen on any social media. This is what REAL bravery looks like - GOOD JOB! Barry was right, except the statistic is more like 100% - we're ALL a bit nuts! Continued good luck and welcome back.

Dan

[Diseasel300]

It takes some balls to admit personal problems publicly on the Internet. I don't know you or of you, but looking through your posting history, it looks like you stopped posting about the time I joined this forum and I just don't see anything that stands out as inflammatory or derogatory in there. Maybe you're too hard on yourself!

[mannys9130]

Thank you all for understanding. I don't mind admitting the things that I have here above because like some have said, many people struggle with some sort of mental or behavioral health concern at some point in their life whether large or small. I'm happier now, and reflecting on the past I felt sad and really felt the need to do this. The reason so many of these wonderful cars are still on the road today is because of forums like this and the people in them. It's best when everyone feels like they can ask any kind of question, simple or complex, and receive helpful answers from experienced people without other distractions. Thank you all for the replies here. I'm happy to see this was well received.

[Junkman]

Welcome back.

I had to ban myself from OD because of how rude I and others I liked before going to OD become upon entering.

[Motorwagen]

Sometimes the forums is our release from work. Its great to see such a good family of mercedes owners that can share the hobby together. Glad you are back!

[97 SL320]

I did a quick search for the poster and any threads I was involved in. Nothing turned up so I'm OK with our guy.