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Original poster

Long running sticky thread request

170 replies

SlightlyJaded · 14/03/2012 10:34

Hello

I started a thread (randomly) in relationships, because I am hopeful that there is a way for MNers in need to get some RL support from other MNers.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/1426504-When-you-need-a-RL-friend?pg=2

Is this something MNHQ could help with or support in any way?

Thanks

OP posts:
garlicbutter · 16/03/2012 13:13

I've been thinking about the points in your 10:48 post, too, Slightly. It would be bonkers to act on advice from one internet poster. But your point, I think, was that when we're friendless we are in the worst possible position to find a friend.

In my (frequent) down times, I consider myself such a drag that I assume nobody would want to spend time with me. It's probably not true, mind you! Consequently, I wouldn't offer to go meet somebody or ask anyone who hadn't offered. A coffee-cake thread, where everybody understands this, could be a godsend to people stuck in that self-doubting double bind. The awkward bit's already out of the way :)

janx · 16/03/2012 11:18

just adding my support - lovely idea

bumpsnowjustplump · 16/03/2012 11:05

I think this is a great idea and would definatly be interested in this.

Original poster
SlightlyJaded · 16/03/2012 10:48

Wips I think you have a point and I am sure that if MN do give us a thread/board, they will do so with consideration, but I also think that on balance, this will potentially benefit so many people.

The type of troll/person who is likely to want to meet people for the wrong reasons is far more likely to use dating/matchmaking sites where people are going in with rose tinted glasses, I think. I honestly believe the risk is small and far outweighed by potential good

Also, anyone on MN can currently offer to meet someone who seems lonely for a coffee - that isn't a new thing - it's just the idea of a more specific place within MN for people to post.

OP posts:
lesterlassone · 16/03/2012 10:31

Coming over from original thread and yes, count me in too. Hopefully my "maturity" (well in years, if nothing else!) would be useful?

GwendolineMaryLacey · 16/03/2012 10:21

I'm in. Am shite at small talk though but really good at coffee and cake :)

MichaelaS · 16/03/2012 10:18

good point Wipsglitter - perhaps there could be some readily available backup from "real" befriending organisations should a MNer feel she is out of her depth? clicky links and all that?

madhairday · 16/03/2012 09:53

Oh yes great idea, I'm in too :)

Pinot · 16/03/2012 09:49

I love this idea.
Lovely, lovely, lovely.

fiventhree · 16/03/2012 09:35

Im in.

danablue · 16/03/2012 09:24

I think this is a lovely idea, you can count me in too. Having someone to talk to is the best therapy ever.

ThePinkPussycat · 16/03/2012 09:09

Yes, think this is a good idea. There may be unforeseen downsides but we can all think this through together.

WipsGlitter · 16/03/2012 09:09

Sorry that should say the befriender could end up out of their depth dealing with complex emotions, situations or mental health issues they are totally unqualified or unable to deal with.

WipsGlitter · 16/03/2012 09:05

Didn't see this thread, have just posted in the other thread re why I don't think this is a good idea. While the vast majority of MNetters would be doing this for the right reasons, there is still a risk that a vulnerable person could be befriended by someone for the wrong reasons, could be given duff advice and could end up trying to extricate themselves from a friendship/situation and be under more stress. similarly the befriended could end up totally out if their depth.

Befriending organizations have extensive training, policies and guidelines for a reason.

MNHQ need to really think about this and maybe speak to some befriending organizations before proceeding.

beachyhead · 16/03/2012 09:01

Good idea about the MN Local Friendship Bench. To advertise it, you could have a GO LOCAL day once a month where you 'check in' to your local MN site to visit the friendship bench to see if anyone is sitting there...... So the GO LOCAL could be a thread just giving everyone a nudge to remember their local area....

I'm in...

Dawndonna · 16/03/2012 08:57

Count me in.

BIWI · 16/03/2012 08:54

Helen - I thought you were the Power!

BupcakesandCunting · 16/03/2012 08:53

What a lovely, lovely idea Jaded. This is why I love MN. I would be happy to help. :)

MistyMountainHop · 16/03/2012 08:38

just adding my support to this

BrianTheBrainSurgeon · 15/03/2012 23:35

Me too

Greenshadow · 15/03/2012 22:35

Another supporter here.

AnyFucker · 15/03/2012 18:32

thanks HelenMN

springaroundthecorner · 15/03/2012 15:59

Great idea.

Original poster
SlightlyJaded · 15/03/2012 13:19

Thanks Helen :)

OP posts:
MNHQ
HelenMumsnet · 15/03/2012 12:28

Thanks for this suggestion. It sounds lovely. We will def pass it on to the Powers That Be.

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