How should we greet a newbie ?

Romla
Romla Member Posts: 2,092
Call me niggly but I kinda wish we had another way of greeting new members than commiserating their joining our band of ladies. I don't think we should celebrate anyone's bc diagnosis but could we lighten a newbie's load by just saying welcome or howdy or whatever is needed to make them feel comfortable that they have found support and understanding - it's tough enough having the diagnosis and reaching out to total strangers . The warmth and kindness you ladies showed me when I joined meant more than anything to me at the time - it didn't reinforce my sadness but made me feel safe.

Comments

  • Cynth6
    Cynth6 Member Posts: 189
    I don't think anyone here "celebrates" a newly diagnosed lady. We are all here to support one another.  
  • socoda
    socoda Member Posts: 1,767
    Hi @Romla, can understand your reasoning with that but I don't think anyone has taken the welcome to be a congratulatory message rather just what it is, a show of concern and understanding. I'm all for a way of acknowledging our newest but for the life of me can't think if a way to do it that doesn't acknowledge that they don't want to be here any more than we do. Xx Cath
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,540
    edited September 2017
    Niggly, Oh I am sorry if you think we are being insensitive or similar in commiserating and or celebrating however, when you are greeting a stranger, who is reaching out, I would like to think the stranger is happy that we have invited them in with a welcome and an assurance that there are lots of us here with similar stories willing to make the lonely hours feel better amongst all the other emotions that comes along, especially at the outset!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited September 2017
    There are a lot of ways to greet people. It depends on the individual I guess. If other women are like me, they might have read other posts before posting their first comment. This isn't really a place any of us wants to be, in the world of cancer and all that it entails. Acknowledging this doesn't make people feel worse. A simple hi is nice too. I also think it's where I'm at at the moment, but sometimes some forums can actually make you feel a bit down and I say that as a recent whinger. :) 
  • Romla
    Romla Member Posts: 2,092
    @Cyhth6 @socoda.@iserbrown and anyone else who has read my post .My sincere apologies if I have caused distress by my comment - the relief I felt discovering this site when I felt lost and hopeless - it was a lifeline at a very low point. I did not mean to suggest anyone was being insensitive - to know you were all there and managing your lives as well as the practical guidance pulled me out of a dark hole I did not know how to get out of by myself. I am constantly astounded by this community  - the support shown and acceptance of each other is quite special.
  • AllyJay
    AllyJay Member Posts: 942
    Hi there @Romla . The way I read your post was that you were asking if there was a slightly more "middle ground" that could be used when putting out the welcome mat. Potentially different welcomes could be the "We're so sorry that you've joined us" type of response, and on the other side (or extreme) would be the "Oh hi So and So....we're so glad you've joined our band of sisters (and a few brothers) in arms. The latter would quite obviously be totally inappropriate, as none of us "celebrate" a newly diagnosed member joining our support group, whatever the welcome. I got the impression that you were thinking of a more neutral hello, that is just a warm word of welcome and an open offer of support and information at the speed and level of intensity that would subsequently manifest itself as the new member got over her initial shock and settled in.
     Hugs (((  ))) Ally.
  • Romla
    Romla Member Posts: 2,092
    Thanks @AllyJay that is what I was trying to say but I accept I didn't say it well as I could have 
  • Romla
    Romla Member Posts: 2,092
    Accept your point @Ann-Marie_BCNA
  • PamelaP
    PamelaP Member Posts: 23

    Here here!    @LucyE you expressed perfectly how I feel about finding myself in this world of breast cancer
  • adean
    adean Member Posts: 1,036
    I always try to let somone know lm 5 years post diagnosis, some people find this a comfort that you do go on. But lm always honest and say there are good bad and better times. Just my opinion
  • LMK74
    LMK74 Member Posts: 795
    Totally agree with you @Zoffiel.
  • Romla
    Romla Member Posts: 2,092
    It is a roller coaster with hard times made bearable when you know life can and will go on - I get a lot of delight from just seeing some local bc ladies out and about in my suburb let alone a fab photo on here of a member in motorcycle gear beaming up at the camera - I can manage if I know that.
  • Romla
    Romla Member Posts: 2,092
    I value your wisdom @Zoffiel you are right