Do PSers influence you?

[TravelingGal]

Do your fellow PSers influence you in anyway? Do they enable you when it comes to shopping? Do you listen to their views on life and make you think about your own views? Do you find yourself finding a budding interest in topics and hobbies mentioned here?

How have PSer affected you in ways that you haven''t found IRL?

 

[Smurfysmiles]

I wouldn''t say their opinions on diamonds and different pieces influence me; however, being educated about how to pick a diamond certainly has influenced me.

As for when people give me their opinions about life and how certain things should be done and what needs to be done and frankly, that''s all well and good but for the most part I am able to figure out what is best for me eventually and in the end, it''s simply a place for strangers across the world to come together with a similar interest. I try to take it for what it is but ultimately usually end up doing whatever it is I want to do at the time. I''m stubborn like that *shrug*. It is what it is.

 

[TravelingGal]

I''m definitely influenced by PS when it comes to shopping! I hate shopping, and know PSers are good at it, so I take opinions here and run with them. Love the toy thread I started in FHH, because that became my toy shopping list!

I''ll admit that I am more swayed by PSers who have been here a long time. I have a firmer handle on their "character" and take some PSers opinions above others.

I also love listening to PSers views on life. Probably the most memorable thread in that regard for me was the CA Prop 8 thread. Volatile, but I really enjoyed hearing about Wishful''s life with her trials and tribulations and it definitely gave me a lot of food for thought.

If I ask an opinion on something (usually related to a purchase or destination), I definitely am swayed by PS opinion because I think they are a savvy group.

 

[Liane]

Definitely. The Colored Stones forum has sharpened up my eye like nothing else. It''s the next-best thing to taking a GIA course. Being able to learn from people like Chrono and Tourmaline Lover has been amazing and, in that sense, they''ve been very influential on me.

About life, love, and the pursuit of happiness... no, not so much. But I don''t come here seeking advice on those topics. If I did, then yes, PS would probably be influential to some degree, because I''d be specifically looking for that influence and I have a lot of respect for the courtesy and plain good sense of many posters here.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I 100% agree with you TGal. I think PS is a melting pot of different personalities and life experiences and we have a lot to learn from one another. For example, I look to the moms to help me understand what I''m going through right now, I look to the financially savvy PS''ers to help me when I need financial guidance and I look to those with more experience about life in general to show me when and how I''m wrong sometimes. Smurfy, you''re right. Ultimately I''m going to make my decisions based on what is right for me and my family and I''m really the only person who knows that. But usually when I''m debating something internally and come here for clarification/guidance, the right decision becomes clear. Sometimes it''s not what I want to hear, but when you''re conflicted or lost it''s hard to see the forest through the trees. PS''ers are really good about helping me find a path that will get me from point A to point B quickly, safely and with as little stress as possible.

And yes, you all are a HORRIBLE influence when it comes to all things sparkly!

 

[Haven]

I love reading the threads that center on larger ideas. Threads like that remind me of what I love so much about reading--the opportunity to learn a new idea, to figure out what I think of it, and to then figure out what I''m going to do about it. In other words, will I allow it to change me in some way? I think that''s what the human experience is all about, and I get a lot out of certain threads here on PS.

As for concrete things--I started washing my face with only water at night, which I read about on a thread about the oil cleansing method, and it completely changed my complexion for the better.

 

[elrohwen]

PSers have made me much more open to having kids. I''ve never really been a kid person and I don''t really have any friends with kids, but thanks to the PS ladies and their updates about their kds, I can actually imagine DH and I having a little baby of our own someday. I feel like I''ve learned a lot about what to expect and how rewarding it can be and it''s helped me take an emotional step towards being a mom. I knew I''d want one "someday" and the PS mommies are making that more of a reality.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:43:07 PM
Author: Haven
I love reading the threads that center on larger ideas. Threads like that remind me of what I love so much about reading--the opportunity to learn a new idea, to figure out what I think of it, and to then figure out what I''m going to do about it. In other words, will I allow it to change me in some way? I think that''s what the human experience is all about, and I get a lot out of certain threads here on PS.

As for concrete things--I started washing my face with only water at night, which I read about on a thread about the oil cleansing method, and it completely changed my complexion for the better.

What thread was this?

I''m also influenced by book recommendations. Found some fun reads in The Library forum.

I don''t often ask for opinions on my life or life decisions. I find that is the one area that many PSers don''t take well. Most don''t want a conclusion, they only want to vent. I never understood asking for opinions when you are going to do what you darn well please anyway. Perhaps they''re just seeking validation.

 

[decodelighted]

I''ve been influenced by RAVES about certain products or items or brands. Not blindly, but if it appeals to me or something I''ve been looking for or curious about, I''ll consider PSers opinions or experiences. Especially if its someone I "know" and would tend to trust more than others.

Perfume, crockpot, Fage, hand cream, recipes, gosh - you name it. Tons of stuff.

HOWEVER: the best advice I''ve gotten is really the travel advice. Y''all have helped me navigate Santa Fe, Mexico, Ireland, & most recently Austin. Lots of great recommendations. MUCHOS GRACIAS!
Mwah! xxoo

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:44:28 PM
Author: elrohwen
PSers have made me much more open to having kids. I''ve never really been a kid person and I don''t really have any friends with kids, but thanks to the PS ladies and their updates about their kds, I can actually imagine DH and I having a little baby of our own someday. I feel like I''ve learned a lot about what to expect and how rewarding it can be and it''s helped me take an emotional step towards being a mom. I knew I''d want one ''someday'' and the PS mommies are making that more of a reality.

Hahaha...I think the nicest backhanded compliment I got on PS was about this. I don''t remember if it was ChinaCat or LAJennifer, but someone said "if TGal can handle having kids, I think I can too."

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:46:43 PM
Author: decodelighted
I''ve been influenced by RAVES about certain products or items or brands. Not blindly, but if it appeals to me or something I''ve been looking for or curious about, I''ll consider PSers opinions or experiences. Especially if its someone I ''know'' and would tend to trust more than others.

Perfume, crockpot, Fage, hand cream, recipes, gosh - you name it. Tons of stuff.

HOWEVER: the best advice I''ve gotten is really the travel advice. Y''all have helped me navigate Santa Fe, Mexico, Ireland, & most recently Austin. Lots of great recommendations. MUCHOS GRACIAS!
Mwah! xxoo

Ooh yeah, we''ve got some great cooks and bakers on PS. I''m still attempted to make a cupcake, but I know my own limitations.

 

[Bia]

The diamond information did - quite a bit because I didn''t know *&^% back then.

And I''ve met a lot of really wonderful people - some of them influence me on a daily basis

 

[elrohwen]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:47:50 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 2/18/2010 12:44:28 PM
Author: elrohwen
PSers have made me much more open to having kids. I've never really been a kid person and I don't really have any friends with kids, but thanks to the PS ladies and their updates about their kds, I can actually imagine DH and I having a little baby of our own someday. I feel like I've learned a lot about what to expect and how rewarding it can be and it's helped me take an emotional step towards being a mom. I knew I'd want one 'someday' and the PS mommies are making that more of a reality.

Hahaha...I think the nicest backhanded compliment I got on PS was about this. I don't remember if it was ChinaCat or LAJennifer, but someone said 'if TGal can handle having kids, I think I can too.'

Hahaha. TGal, I think I love reading your mommy related posts most of all - I really relate with everything you have to say, especially as I plan to be a slightly older mom (mid-30s). I love how down to earth and practical you are about things, and how much you truly love Amelia despite not seeing yourself as a mommy before she came along. So thanks!

 

[Haven]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:46:18 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 2/18/2010 12:43:07 PM
Author: Haven
As for concrete things--I started washing my face with only water at night, which I read about on a thread about the oil cleansing method, and it completely changed my complexion for the better.

What thread was this?

Here''s the follow-up thread on the oil cleansing method where I saw Erica''s non-cleansing anecdote: Link
Here''s the oil cleansing method thread:Link
I''m too chicken to try the oil cleansing method, myself. Water, I can handle. Oil, not there yet.

 

[TravelingGal]

Thanks Elrowhen, nice of you to say!

Haven, thanks for the links. My skin has suffered since Amelia was born...plague and pestilence upon my pores! I will check them out!

 

[Octavia]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:44:28 PM
Author: elrohwen
PSers have made me much more open to having kids. I''ve never really been a kid person and I don''t really have any friends with kids, but thanks to the PS ladies and their updates about their kds, I can actually imagine DH and I having a little baby of our own someday. I feel like I''ve learned a lot about what to expect and how rewarding it can be and it''s helped me take an emotional step towards being a mom. I knew I''d want one ''someday'' and the PS mommies are making that more of a reality.

Big ditto to this.

I''ve also been influenced by threads on animal nutrition -- before PS, I probably would have been swayed by our vet''s insistence on Science Diet, or by whatever seemed like a good choice at the pet food store. My cat certainly thanks the kitty lovers here for helping spoil him!

There are lots of other ways I''ve been influenced by PS, some product-related and some life-related. Not to the extent that I don''t do my own research or formulate my own thoughts on matters, but mainly in that threads pop up sometimes that make me think about things I never would have considered on an everyday basis. Many times, I don''t even participate in the threads here, but that doesn''t mean they don''t affect me.

 

[vc10um]

Date: 2/18/2010 12:51:55 PM
Author: Bia
The diamond information did - quite a bit because I didn''t know *&^% back then.

And I''ve met a lot of really wonderful people - some of them influence me on a daily basis

I have NO CLUE who you''re talking about, Bia!

I have to agree. PSers are incredibly knowledgeable in all areas. From jewelry (obviously), to money, travel, and how to deal with relationships (no matter what anyone ever posts in LIW, BWW, Newlyweds, Hangout...SOMEONE on here has been there before, or is going through the same thing!) and the advice that is doled out is nearly always thoughtful in nature and helpful in either presenting an alternative viewpoint or a potential solution.

So yeah. PSers influence me!

 

[dragonfly411]

I''ve been influenced in many ways both positive and negative by the folks here. I find this forum to be knowledge filled and enlightening. And yes... I end up being Enabled ::cough cough LORELEI cough::

Now I want to try washing my face with only water!!! How does this work exactly?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/18/2010 1:42:28 PM
Author: dragonfly411
I''ve been influenced in many ways both positive and negative by the folks here. I find this forum to be knowledge filled and enlightening. And yes... I end up being Enabled ::cough cough LORELEI cough::

Now I want to try washing my face with only water!!! How does this work exactly?

b]

 

[princesss]

This board has definitely influenced me for the better. I''ve learned so much here - especially in regards to finances. I came to PS at 19/20 and was pretty...well, we''ll just go with not savvy. PSers showed me about budgeting and not buying things on credit and those lessons have really stuck with me - I''m in a way better place financially now than I think I would have been without PS.

I''ve also learned a LOT about babies! The PS moms are amazing, and even though I''m not one, hearing you ladies talk honestly about raising kids gave me the insight to figure out if I wanted kids or not (you in particular, TGal).

And then, obviously, I''m way more educated than the average bear about diamonds, and what I like in them than I would be without PS.

 

[Matata]

Mara -- thank goodness she has something else to focus on now other than diamonds & handbags because she was The Great Enabler for me. Maybe I can start saving some money now. LOL.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I've learned a ton about diamonds and am now building a modest jewelry "wardrobe" of real jewelry. I also love being part of the TTC group, and look forward to joining the mommy groups soon (I hope).

I love reading about different people's life experiences, even on the volalile threads, and feel like I am getting a serious education on shopping and fitness esp

FWIW-yes PS has been a horrible neabler when it comes to buying jewelry

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 2/18/2010 1:42:28 PM
Author: dragonfly411
Now I want to try washing my face with only water!!! How does this work exactly?

LOL DF you gave me a good giggle. This is exactly how it sounds - wash your face, with no soap, just water.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 2/18/2010 1:42:28 PM
Author: dragonfly411
I''ve been influenced in many ways both positive and negative by the folks here. I find this forum to be knowledge filled and enlightening. And yes... I end up being Enabled ::cough cough LORELEI cough::


Now I want to try washing my face with only water!!! How does this work exactly?

1) Turn on faucets.
2) Splash water on face.
3) Repeat Step 3 as often as necessary.
4) Turn off faucets.
5) Dry with towel.

PSers are definitely an influence - thanks to y''all, I now have (way too expensive) nice perfume, two Bengal kittens, and way too many rings

Enablers!!! ::shakes fist::

Honestly, though, PSers influence my jewelry style a lot. It''s funny - the people at my local jewelry store think I have the coolest jewelry ideas and tastes, but it''s all from you guys and what I see on CS and SMTR

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I'm not the type to be easily influenced by others, but I will admit that PS has influenced me in other areas of my life. I find it interesting that I came to this site in search of diamond knowledge and now it's one of the first resources I go to for opinions on anything.

I've bought products recommended by PSers, eaten at restaurants recommended by PSers, I have many recipes in my recipe box printed from Pricesope screenshots and while I only lurk on all the TTC and mommy threads, I can say that about 90% of my TTC knowledge is from PS. When relating to friends IRL I often think about stories I've read here and use them as examples.

 

[that_someone_special]

There are some certain ladies in the pearl forum that keep showing me new and cool things that I can''t live without.

So.... influenced, yes.

 

[lyra]

I''ve been fairly easily influenced to try a number of things I''ve read about on PS. I think it''s partly because there''s so much information and personal experience that I feel safe trying things I wouldn''t have thought of or trusted otherwise. I''ve said it before, but reading about the DivaCup of all things, here on PS, changed my life. I''m so grateful for that. I''ve branched off into all sorts of other things over the years too. I''ve also really come to think of the posters as real people, and I think about certain ones all the time, hoping their struggles get resolved and that there is a happy ending out there. PS is somehow so much bigger than the just the diamonds and jewellery that first brought me here.

 

[jas]

Two words: Cupcake thread.



Also, I was unsure of my ability to be a mom of young ''uns. Thank goodness for ellalia and all the other mommies who were ahead of me on the baby train.

 

[qtiekiki]

Definitely influenced by PSers on shopping. Tgal, you are personally responsible for me bargain shoes shopping for the kiddos. I love the recommendations on toy and baby & kid products. I also value PSers'' opinions on jewelry and accessorizing an outfit. I think most of the topics I started are asking for opinions on those. We''ve got a stylish group here.

PS is also great for advices and suggestions on babies and toddlers related topics.

I tried some of the recipes posted here, and they are always tasty. The cupcake thread got me to get a stand mixer and other supplies. Now I just need to get on it and actually make some cuppies. LOL.

I''ll probably come here for travel recommendations too since there''s a bunch of well-traveled PSers.

I don''t ask for opinions on life and relationships on here b/c I really don''t think the internet is the best place to find answers on those things. There''s just no way for someone to know your situations over the internet, and then people get upset, offended when opinions is offered. I do vent here and there, but would never start a thread for it.

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Not influenced, no. I am who I am and I live how I live, regardless of what other people do/ think / say.

However, I have occasionally asked for advice on specific topics and I''ve had some very thoughtful and helpful responses from PSers which have helped me decide what to do.

There are people here whose opinions and attitudes are very far from my own. I find them interesting to read,and try always to be respectful, but I also find that rather than influencing my own position, they crystalise it a little.

It''s always interesting to hear how other people tackle big life changes, issues and decisions. It''s also interesting to see how others handle the smaller things. Shopping, for example. I''m always impressed by the lengths some people go to in securing a bargain, haggling over a deal or seeking out a cost-saving. I have never tried myself, but I''m impressed. It reminds me of a comedian I saw on tv a while ago, he said that people in the Middle East have a word for those born without the ability to haggle - they call them British.