I'm so touched by the concern over my 'pick up lines (?) by the some posters however misplaced.
Although I suspect one want to replace me (he misunderstands both my and the ladies motivation). the others appear to have issues with male-female communications on OLO.

What they seem to miss is the difference between the METHODS and purpose of communication.
OLO males tend to communicate in terms of Alpha male determination i.e. a competitive sport.

The women and some men (I am only one) choose the to communicate with real people rather than egos and on a meaningful level.

Also on that line not every M/F conversation (by general consensus of the the immediate participants)has sexual(as in bump and grind) overtones/under currents .

NB This is clearly NOT an exclusively female trait. It's an attitudinal one.

Neither does any suggested off line contact hide any 'ulterior' motives.

ALL SO Note:- there is NO conspiracy or clicks. Just a commonality of approach. We definitely have differences any agreement comes from the approach and shared level of discussion.

Gentlemen, please get with the game as it is played by the participants. To do otherwise is WOT and impresses no one.

Dear Otokonoko,

It seems to me that you've lead a very
rich and fulfilling life. With very little
to regret. I admire teachers so much. The
job is not an easy one - you need Solomon's
wisdom, Freud's insight, Einstein's knowledge,
and Florence Nightingale's dedication. I couldn't
do it. Yet you can. Bravo!

Dear Yabby,

You didn't share any regrets with us - which
is a bit disappointing.
Maybe next time?

Dear Peter,

You sound as if you've got the right balance in
your life. I envy you that so much.

Dear Max,

Three wonderful young people call you "Dad."
Sounds good to me!

Dear Jewely,

Your powers of observation are inspiring.
I love reading your posts.

Dear Romany,

I loved your jigsaw analogy, and it just may
well hang in the National Gallery one day.
It would be a very rich, interesting, multi-coloured,
kaleidoscope. I for one would love to see the complete
tapestry. I think it would be stunning!

Dear examinator,

From my point of view your line that referred
to some of the females on this Forum was seen
simply as a bit of flirtation, to which nobody
I would think, could object. There were no sexual
suggestions or inferences in your remark that
could come under the heading of "sleaze."

However, when posting on a Forum, I suppose we
all have to be careful which line not to cross -
and perhaps that's what Yabby was referring to.
I don't know. We do have to be careful in our choice
of words - what is acceptable in private emails
between people - perhaps should not appear of public
Forums. Discretion needs to be applied sometimes.

But I agree in this case, nothing was said that anybody
could take offence at.

It is interesting reading different experiences and views here!

I know regrets are pointless in that we cannot change the past, but they're human. Memories can be haunting.

Some of my text disappeared? on my original post. I had said this: it was the look. It was the look of pain and hurt on his face after such eager anticipation,-when I opened the box with the brooch.
Contrary to some opinion here on OLO, I do not set out to hurt. That day I hurt someone I cared for deeply in the most profound manner. Too right I regret that. All I can do for him is not to forget.

I don't carry these things every day,-just when I wear The Brooch.

I have one other regret;- and also a deep sadness about a situation. These are too intensely private to share.

Foxy
Point taken and I'll keep that in mind and comply.
However I think you're being a little overgenerous with their interpretations especially when it comes to some of their other comments that infer 'the female mafia etc.' 'the thought police 'and endless attacks on opinions that don't comply with their 'male' emotional reasoning.
The 'mate only' signals weren't lost on me. Like I've said before I don't think in other terms unless confronted with vastly more direct invitation.
Like I also said I would like to talk to Romany for my journalistic education. And I thought because of my background I might be able to offer Fractelle some 'mate' help which was not appropriate on OLO (OLO isn't a sensitive place),perhaps not. Beyond that not nothing is on my radar. I have my own issues to deal with.

The sleaze is someone else's problem. Thanks for the heads up.

Examinator

I am reminded of nothing greater than a primary school yard replete with "girl germs", "boy germs" and "only sissies play with girls" and the like.

Any male who does not fit the blokey mould are referred to as lap-dogs or sleazes by other adult males for crying out loud! These "manly" men haven't matured beyond 6th year. And they wonder why they have 'problems' relating to women.

One thing I won't regret in my dotage is that I have friends from ALL genders.

What I will regret is if I keep wasting my life trying to convince a bunch of 'people' that I have a right to express my opinion whether they agree or not, and that responding with personal insults is neither clever nor free expression; it is simply childish and pathetic.

BTW - I did email you - twice.