I read journals of friends sometimes. Mostly I just respond to posts or make my own. I like to look at profile before I respond if I have the time. I benifit from DS friends in much the same way I benifit from non cyber friends. People need people.

This place has been the best for me. It allows me to get and give feedback on all manner of things going on in my life and others here who need support.

I definitely benefit most from reading/responding and having people respond to my journals. It is more detailed about specifics we are going through and "one on one" support. But the posts are great for making me laugh sometimes, and make me feel like I am contributing other times.

I do both. I try to read / respond to journals at least once a week because it always makes me feel better when someone responds to my journals. But the posts are better for interaction and discussion.

ARE YOU KIDDING? You guys have been my lifeline! I am so glad to be in a good place, and that coupled with God, friends I can see in the flesh and talk to, you guys, and realizing my life's going to be better, I take the good and bad/ugly responses I get from my friends. It can be the slap in the face or that REAL hug I needed and honestly, I tell my friends here sometimes more than I tell my friends I can call, hug, have a beer with, etc. Also, I've gotten sometimes better help from members here than those same friends. God blessed the DS founder to put this up here, and we've all been blessed by the great many friends we have.

What would I do without my DS friends? The encouragement and the support is so great. Sometimes I read my DS friends journal and I have a so many laughs and it amazes me. This place leaves a refreshing atmosphere and a since of accountability to others.

i read journals. i do respond, but usually in a message. as far as my own.... it is so helpful, and so heartwarming to receive all the reaching out from others. I love my DS friends. it's like a little fan club, that is here to cheer you on, but will kick your ass if you need it. happy to be here with all of you. thanks.

My Friends are Everything to me, just like a normal relationship...I love reading journals, and posting to them-when I have something to say...

I Love Journaling. I could sit and write about Nothing for hours on end.

I read my friends' journals everyday, if they write.
I try to reply and give understanding and empathy.
However, if I don't have anything helpful or useful to say, I don't write anything.

This site and my friends have saved me from giving up on life and just existing, instead of looking forward to living again. DS has been my saving grace.

And I do pour my heart out in my journals. I so appreciate all the replies I have gotten.
They have all been so heartfelt and encouraging. MY friends here are the best!

This may sound weird. When I read my friends journals and leave comments, I seem to forget about my situation for a moment. The journals I read, the more I seem to forget about how hurt I am. In return, I have recieved tons of support from the friends that I have made. I think it just feels good to help other people instead of thinking about your own pain.

I'm with you singlefather

I agree singlefather. When I finish reading before you know it I am uplifted and that bring sunshine to my world.

i read my friends journals. not all the time & not all of them, but i do read them. and when something touches me, i always respond with either a hug, message, high 5, word so encouragement - whatever it is i think may benefit them. sometimes it's just to say...i'm with ya - and just today...a friend read my journal entry and she sent me the most beautiful message...of how she was proud of me...proud of herself. it was...amazing.
as for my own journal...it is the most freeing, liberating thing i have done for myself in such a long time. i can say what i want, how i want. how did i survive with expressing myself like this before???

this site, these people...friends and those i have yet to meet - continue to inspire me, encourage me, give me hope..make me laugh, sometimes make me cry...but always, always...i know i'm not alone. it's friggin' awesome!