I've found that this tribe offers a method that draws out and often reflects back how an individual deals with conflict...even when said individual is otherwise, or seemingly, ignorant of it themselves. Sometimes it happens with the first few posts a person makes, and other times it may take weeks or months. Of course, this is all highly subjective as it's simply what I've noticed, and perhaps others have noticed something completely different. But I find it incredibly interesting nonetheless.

The BEST part is that those most comfortable posting here aren't necessarily reflecting the same characteristics. Among the *core* group, or cluster of EH members that post here regularly and comfortably, there do seem to be two shared characteristics; a B.S. detection-o-meter (for others as well as ourselves) and a healthy sense of humor. Some are laid back, casual and tend to 'go with the flow', while others may find themselves 'up in arms' more quickly. Some offer snappy one-liners sarcastic come backs while others dig down into the deepest recesses of their psyche and thesaurus. But we've all come to accept these differences, expect them to some degree and even tease the shit out of each other for them without having little hissy fits and storming out of the room (the tribe), only to come back later and pick apart what's wrong with the entire tribe as a whole.

The WORST part is that those who didn't pass the B.S. detection-o-meter do have little hissy fits, storm out of the room (the tribe) and come back at least a few times in order to pick apart what's wrong with this tribe as a whole. As if it's even possible to treat a tribe of highly individuated folks as a single unit!

But, getting back to the topic, prior to determining one's level of comfort here it seems as if there is this mirror effect taking place. Folks who consider themselves pacifists IRL may take on a rather passive-aggressive role here. Folks that considered themselves upfront and brazen IRL may find themselves acquiescing and diplomatic here. Folks who consider themselves intellectuals may find that their brand of self-righteousness is taken with a teeny, tiny grain of salt and those that see themselves as simple, good ol' boys (or girls) may find they have a profound effect on folks here. Ya just never know.

Personally, I love it here, even if it's not always warm and fuzzy...or perhaps BECAUSE of it?

-K