I'm not sure how or why I'm back, it must be that human nature to stare at a train wreck, I don't know.

I agree with the idea of giving her the website, let her explore it at her own pace, and she shouldn't feel compelled to be an active participant until she is darn good and ready. I know that I wondered the threads and read for a long time before I ever thought of replying to a post. Pixies (new and old) are an eclectic group of opinions, knowledge, experience, beliefs. And for the most part Pixies are an accepting group of people. I'm confident that she could learn a lot here. But she needs to have the desire to learn, to ask, to explore, to experience. No one can, or should force it upon her. We all come into the exploration and realization of our sexual and sensual selves at differing points in our lives. Somehow I think these points of exploration and realization are maturity related (just my opinion) and not age related. As we are all well aware age does not equal maturity.

As for communicating in here and the concept of newbie vs old timer. It's there, and even though I've been around long enough, I still feel as if I'm quite new. I don't feel I've broken my shoes in and am often reluctant to speak openly, particularly when I think what I have to say might be offensive to a large audience. But that's ME... I'm shy and conservative that way. I certainly know better, and realize not everyone acts or reacts in the same manner as I do (although more than once have I thought the world would be more pleasant if everyone were like me ). It's the best thing I can offer as far as advice in surviving a online forum. Think about what you type and how it might be perceived by the audience, recognize we are individuals and as such think, act, and react in differing manners.

Mark, I hope that you and your friend can grow from the experience that is Pixies.