I know, E, right?

Seriously...good points. Even on 'good' days, I have to monitor what I pay attention to, what I 'let in' to the little parlor that is my brain. I think it's probably that way for an awful lot of people, from what I've seen over time.

The everyday hurts and disappointments and assaults on my peace of mind are usually enough for me...nevermind people who might get it in their heads to try and cause me distress for their own entertainment (it HAS happened!).

Some days, I feel bulletproof...but then, I'm off doing other things, and am nowhere near DS.

Hope this all helps.

I put my account on private because I did not want to be hurt and I actually am private in my own life too. I realize it keeps me away from people so I decided to be strong and open my account. I guess right now I would rather try to be strong then to stay away from people. I actually feel hurt when I see that people put their accounts on private for friends only to see as I am curious about people and what they are doing and the friends only seems to close off people so I actually do not like this feature but then again I can see the benefits too as it can make you feel protected from things you don't want to happen. I agree with the person who said sometimes they feel they can handle being open and other times they can't and fluctuate from being private and open but all I can say is I actually do not like the friends only account because it does close off people from one another and it bothers me but then again I did use the privacy setting, it made me feel comfortable but then again you can lose potential friends when you do that. I also sometimes think it seems snobby when people put their accounts on for friends only. I know some people do it for protection like me but some people do do it because they don't want anyone else in their life and that is bothersome and annoying to me but I guess that is the way it has to be. People are going to be this way and I just have to deal with it.

I also wanted to add that I think it is brave when a person can be open and share themselves. Not everyone can do this. I certainly find it very hard and that is why I can be so private but I realize being private hurts me because it is not fun to be private but we have to do what makes us feel comfortable.

I think that some people have had bad issues like menelaus with cruel people and they want to protect themselves and their thoughts from those they aren't friends with on this site and trust. It is especially necessary in my view point for depression because a single bad word said by a cruel person could potentially send me into a downward spiral depending on what state I am in when read so the privacy setting is just there to provide a bit of a shell and keep from being harassed.