So, when's the last time you saw one? Was it any fun? I ask because I used to think it was tacky to hurl accusations at one's ex online, but now I'm being forced to look for its silver lining.

When couples break up in forums, do you look, or look away? Do you join in, or just read it and weep?

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

Answers

If I know the couple that broke up and one of them is acting like a jerk, I'll probably say something.

If I don't know the couple I'll stay out of it because I don't know the story of their breakup besides what is written on the forums and I don't know if they are full of shit or not.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

This is the only forum I read, so it's hard to comment. I don't like it when people fuss in Gwentown or dog-pile someone. But sometimes it's amusing. When someone vows to pull up their pants and go home and never post again, I feel sad.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

Where are these online breakups? I had no idea this was going on out there!

I hate to say it, but with my addiction to "Temptation Island" as proof, I'll bet I would read every word. But I wouldn't comment. I really hope I wouldn't comment.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

I don't like it when people air their dirty laundry in public as I take on their problems when I have enough of my own. That includes forums, TV sleaze shows, tabloids, or the gossip trail. I think it's best to take the high road and be the better person although you want to vent and rant (clear the air?) or whatever whenever someone trashes you. Count ten before publicly trashing someone (no matter how deserving) as once spoken or written they cannot be taken back when your sanity returns. As mama use to say back in the days when premarital sex was a dirty no-no, is it worth "ruining your life" for an hour of pleasure? (Yes, I know the answer to that is "how do you make it last an hour" so don't bother.)

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

I look away. Especially if the breakup is "ugly."

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

There are always two sides to every story. Hell. Most of the time there are really three sides to it. If you don't walk in the shoes you can't realistically make a judgement. Fair or not. I don't take sides because of that. Now if someone's a proven wife(or husband) beater, or molested the kids, or got caught red handed(is that a pun?)cheatin, then I'll judge. Till then it ain't none of my bussiness. And I hate whinners. "Oh poor me. Listen to my tragic story. And I didn't have any other recourse but to put up with it for years." Tell the pastor. James

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2001

I don't know that I'd recognize one if I tripped over it -- I'm slow, that way -- but I'm damn sure that whatever Paul said, or published, or thought, he was WRONG, man! Gwen is ALWAYS right! ALWAYS!! (I am very loyal to my cyberfriends.) Other than in cases of Gwenness, though, I don't think I'd judge. Because, as Jaime mentions, how do you really know each side of the story?

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2001

Thanks, Deidre. I think that once people start with the dirty-laundering, it's hard to stop.

The big online break-up I had in mind was that online journaler Gus and his girlfriend Bathtub Girl. That one got ugly, I heard. But I never read it. Oh, and then there was the JenniCam girl. Never read that one, either.

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2001

There are always two sides to every story. Hell. Most of the time there are really three sides to it. If you don't walk in the shoes you can't realistically make a judgement. Fair or not. I don't take sides because of that. Now if someone's a proven wife(or husband) beater, or molested the kids, or got caught red handed(is that a pun?) cheatin, then I'll judge. Till then it ain't none of my bussiness. And I hate whinners. "Oh poor me. Listen to my tragic story. And I didn't have any other recourse but to put up with it for years." Tell the pastor. James

-- james

how bout your offline breakup there gweny....too much time online?

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2001

You tell me, James. You're online more than me, and you buy flowers for your sister-in-law.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2001

Tylerd, just by reading all of posts on these forums, I think it's safe to assume you already have foot and ass disease.

-- Corky (charlesthatcher@yahoo.com), March 21, 2001.

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2001