Hey folks

[hiace_drifter]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to say hello (having already posted occasionally over the years, then more frequently since I bought a house this year). This forum is so helpful and friendly and is a godsend. I also frequent a couple of hifi forums and they can be very snooty!

On a serious note I know from personal experience that this has been a tough year for everyone, especially men who have never been the best at opening up at the best of times. I had a chap round to quote for a job this week and ended up talking for an hour because he was borderline suicidal. I know this isn't necessarily the right place for self help, but if you're finding things tough, let someone know even if you don't share specifics. Just starting the conversation can be enough to make a difference.

[Gadget]

Hello and a belated welcome..

[Mak85]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to say hello (having already posted occasionally over the years, then more frequently since I bought a house this year). This forum is so helpful and friendly and is a godsend. I also frequent a couple of hifi forums and they can be very snooty!

On a serious note I know from personal experience that this has been a tough year for everyone, especially men who have never been the best at opening up at the best of times. I had a chap round to quote for a job this week and ended up talking for an hour because he was borderline suicidal. I know this isn't necessarily the right place for self help, but if you're finding things tough, let someone know even if you don't share specifics. Just starting the conversation can be enough to make a difference.

Thankfully I am still employed having seen a few too many people lose there jobs during this pandemic and my daily grind has helped me with being able to talk to like-minded folks, with the extra stress of those who are self-employed and work becoming difficult I couldn’t imagine the hardship they are going through. Glad you could help another fellow during his visit even if it is a sane chat!

[hiace_drifter]

Hi everyone. I just wanted to say hello (having already posted occasionally over the years, then more frequently since I bought a house this year). This forum is so helpful and friendly and is a godsend. I also frequent a couple of hifi forums and they can be very snooty!

On a serious note I know from personal experience that this has been a tough year for everyone, especially men who have never been the best at opening up at the best of times. I had a chap round to quote for a job this week and ended up talking for an hour because he was borderline suicidal. I know this isn't necessarily the right place for self help, but if you're finding things tough, let someone know even if you don't share specifics. Just starting the conversation can be enough to make a difference.

Thankfully I am still employed having seen a few too many people lose there jobs during this pandemic and my daily grind has helped me with being able to talk to like-minded folks, with the extra stress of those who are self-employed and work becoming difficult I couldn’t imagine the hardship they are going through. Glad you could help another fellow during his visit even if it is a sane chat!

It does seem that builders/roofers/landscape gardeners/plumbers/sparkies etc have been kept busy as a lot of people have more money to spend on renovations etc. Doesn't compensate for the furloughed/unemployed folks, but at least some people may have benefited from this.