kat - thanks so much for your understanding and for sharing your experiences. It takes courage and loads of self-confidence be open about such personal matters on the internet, but people really do need to hear the truth if changes ever going to happen. I raised three wonderful sons, mostly on my own, whose beginnings were in very similiar circumstances. Seems I spent most of my life trying to balance the insensitive, violent 'macho man' conditioning coming at them from all directions - from their fathers and grandfathers to their peers and the media - with even a little respect for women and for their own sexuality. It's been a very long haul, but looking at them today, I'm proud to say I think I achieved a measure of success. :-)

I do intend to become a member. I've only had this computer for a few weeks and I'm still learning how to use it. I guess I need some time to feel 'safe' on the internet, too. But I've been having a lot of fun, and learning much, here among the cats!

You cats are wonderful folk!

daylia