What (if any) unexpected benefits have you gotten from being on YA?

enjoyable entertainment, meaning, lots of giggles. also meeting people on here that i now e-mail, and you all know who you are. i look forward each day to see what's on my friends minds, and maybe i can help by answering, or just being there for someone who is sad, ill, happy or just having a regular day.

I feel that I have received many benefits from this site.

I communicate with many people I would never have met otherwise.

I have learned a great deal about many topics.

I got a neat lined fleecy with Yahoo embroidered on it, and a certificate about a year ago. The certificate was in a rather neat mailing tube that sings "yahooooooo" when I open it.

I got a tremendous amount of support when my husband was dying.

I have had the opportunity to help quite a few people.

Been able to pass along some of the things I've learned in life ... and this includes being a Survivor (of a short disaster of a marriage to an abusive, violent sociopath) ... being a Long Term Single Parent, a Military Retiree ... and now, an Empty-Nesting Single Retiree.

We agree with you on the ciggies - we've cut down quite a bit too coz it is really difficult to see the keyboard with smoke in eyes, which happens if, like me, you type with both hands. We have also benefitted from opening our world up and "met" new people that don't come around to borrow stuff or gossip about our neighbours! We've talked about loads of different subjects that interest us and we've learned about different cultures and countries.

Well, I am also a smoker and don't smoke in the house and so that is definitely a bonus. Also, i find it really interesting to try and answer people's questions and to have mine answered from time to time.

A young lady from UK contacted me when she saw my experience in the business world.

She asked for advice.

It has been one of my great pleasures to help her in opening an apparel shop.

She will open on the 20th of this month.

I'm still working with her long distance by email and IM.

She's a fine young lady and I recognized her talent in fashion.

This is her web site if anyone is interested.

I have no monetary interest in her business.

She has all my best wishes for success.

http://www.yesidefashionstore.com/

I realize that every body has a story that could write a book if they wanted. I have felt alone with my "life" problems and sometimes it actually helps to share my experiences with others.

Good for you for cutting down on your bad habit. When on the computer, have some ice chips handy and maybe it will help you go a little longer without having to to go for that nicotine jolt.

I have gotten to know on line, people from Ireland, Australia, Scotland, and UK. And learned that even tho we were bought up in different countries, we all did things a lot alike, growing up. Hearing about their country and customs, and food Fun times and funny answers abound.

I feel like I am part of a community. I work many, many hours but found myself with three weeks off. YA really helped me feel connected and also very useful. I get a lot of good responses to my answers, which is good for my self esteem. I also feel really good about being of service to others when I can.

I don't get to spend much time here but when I do sit down to relax and am alone with my thoughts everytime I have asked a question everyone was sensible not mean. Funny and sarcastic wit are okay by me also. It's nice to have access to so many opinions and people at one time.