I know. And I’m not here that long by comparison. I lurked for a long time before I “came out”. But it still surprises me how distrustful we can be of “newbs” and how rude we can be to ourselves.
I know from past lives on the “World Wide Web” that the anonymity of sitting behind a keyboard makes people braver than they would be in a face to face setting. I always try to behave as though I’m talking to you as a guest in your living room. If that doesn’t work, I detach from the discussion.
I have to many real issues in my life to tangle with. I don’t have time for the cosmetic ones.
I like your idea of acting on the keyboard as if the person was seated across from you in living room. Good advice!
I hope all goes well for you and yours now and in future—and hey you have been here long enough you are not a newbie :)