text | anonymous

[penpoint]

I have a question. Consider it a bit of a survey or questionnaire. I'm curious. I want to remain anonymous, so that people feel like they can safely remain anonymous, as well.

What does love mean to you here? What did it mean to you at home? Is it different for both?

Relationships are seemingly more complicated here than they would be at most of our homes. I was wondering if others felt the same.

How are you managing it here in a place where it does seem more complicated? Are you doing the same things you would have done if you were at home?

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[penpoint]

Those aren't a bad set of words to describe something incredibly complicated and different for individuals.

There's always people ready to talk, I see. A lot seem to be more free and open when they don't know who they're talking to and they can feel safe to be anonymous themselves. I know I sometimes prefer it.

[restringing]

Really?
If it got through to you, then I'm happy

But... mmm
I have a hard time talking about complicated things with strangers
I'm not trying to hide anything
But not having my name attached makes it easier to start conversations

Is that why you made this anonymous?
For yourself?
Or for other people responding?

[penpoint]

Both. I think people are happier to share on more personal matters and feelings when they don't feel obligated to keep their name attached to it. Regardless as to whatever those feelings are.

And, maybe, a little for myself, too. Not because I am sharing many personal details, but for now it's just easy to talk this way.

[restringing]

Yeah
We're the same

But sometimes, I wish I'd done it with my name attached
Because I want to learn more about whoever I'm talking to
Have you felt that way too?

[penpoint]

Sometimes if I meet someone particularly interesting, I wish I would have caught their information. But in most situations, I do keep my name attached. People are pretty receptive to anonymous lines of questioning.

[restringing]

Do you think there are people who are more open when they aren't anonymous?

I think it was smart of you to do it this way
More people probably responded because of it

Love and relationships are things that people keep private
But maybe everyone wants to talk about them with someone

[penpoint]

Maybe there are. I've conducted a few interviews in my lifetime and people are usually honest when I know who they are, but sometimes they hold back. Even if it seems to some like they're sharing everything.

I think a lot of people want to talk about it regardless as to their varying degrees of experience and perception of it. But they don't know how to talk about it. It's complicated and messy sometimes.

[restringing]

I see
Maybe it's subconscious sometimes
Just a little

But you're right
Love can make you vulnerable
And being anonymous can take some of that vulnerability away
Something like that?

[penpoint]

Sometimes. Sometime's it's just how they are. They're just spouting the same thing they always did. Recounting the same story and events.

Correct.