A small disclaimer: This message is not directed at anyone in particular, and as personal policy, I will not name any names unless you specifically wish to be known (I do not expect you to, though).

I understand that I have some issues. Serious ones. I can be clingy, impatient, pushy, emotionally volatile, and even a little bit stalkerish (as according to some folks), but you have to understand that I do not do these things on purpose (especially not the stalkerish part)! I don't have a lot of experience with social interaction, and I tend to master some concepts a lot more slowly than others do.

Some things that might be obvious to most people are not so obvious to me. This does not excuse my past behavior, but it should at least help you understand why I take some things (like suddenly being blocked without obvious warning or explanation) a lot more personally than I probably should. It is why I often jump from one extreme to another when I feel I have wronged somebody. I do not try to offend anyone on purpose.

Now that I recognize I have some of these issues, though, I am trying my best to work on them. This does not come easy, old habits can die hard. I make terrible first impressions on people the first time around, and while I probably don't deserve every second chance that comes my way, I do appreciate when they do come my way, and I will try to make the most of them. I will do my best to make amends however possible, and try to prevent future incidents from occurring. I must reiterate; this will not come easy to me. I will sometimes fail, and when I do I may kick and scream, but I cannot see the future, and neither can you. If I get that second chance to begin with, and you help me understand just what it was I've done wrong, then I might succeed. If you help me overcome my obstacles, then I know I will eventually become a better person, and get a chance to finally give back to those friends and communities who have given me so much.

So I implore you. Help me. If I make a mistake, tell me. Help me read between the lines. Tell me what you think I'm trying to say, so I know in advance if I've rubbed you the wrong way, and tell me what I can do to keep from rubbing others the wrong way.

Most importantly, though, if you would like me to give you space, please just tell me, don't just remove me as a friend or a contact, or press the ignore button. Actually telling me that you need some time to yourself is much more respectful, because you will be getting your message across much more clearly, and I will do my best to honor your request, and when you are eventually ready to speak again, I will be able to make amends. If you just Ignore me, though, then I will never know when you want to speak again, and you will never know when I have apologized.

If you have any thoughts on this subject, please send me a note or post on my guestbook containing the word "Apple Fox", or synonyms thereof, so I know right away what you're talking about. I am not just looking for people on my friend's list, but also anyone who is bookmarking me, and if you happen to know anyone who was hurt by me but probably hasn't read this message yet, then please forward this to them (I would suggest using some level of discretion though; they want me to give them space for a reason).

I will be signing off for the night. Please do not try to message me on F-chat if you see me logged in, since it's unlikely that I will actually be present to see your message.

Goodnight, friends. I look forward to any messages you might send me!