I have a brother that is severley mentally retarded but if I was called that; I would just laugh it off as I know you meant it to be in a joking way and in no way to disprespect my brother. However; if I said it bothered me because of my brother; then I would expect my friends to not use it. Although; honestly I don't hear that term used that often these days anymore.

Well, I think once you know people; you know who you should tippy toe around and who you can be blunt with. Some certainly will take things personally and others have thicker skin. I think it depends on the situation. As adult to adult; we should be able to discuss what we aren't comfortable hearing from another.

I agree. I think we all do have something that we are sensitive about and sometimes people don't think before they speak. Myself; I am sensitive about my looks and although my friends would never say anything to upset me; I have found that guys I date will. Does it hurt when they insult my looks; of course it does but I also know not to go off the deep end when these things are said as I say some people don't think before they engage mouth.

Are we still fighting about being nice?

*snickers*

Well, as I said people can be insensitive and at times very cruel. The insults of my looks started with my dad actually when I was young, so not much has changed. The men I met would just blurt out what is on their mind without thinking how it would affect me. Of course; they are smart enough to know the comments are hurtful but that sure doesn't stop them from saying these things. I suppose when it comes to looks; beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if these men don't like how I look; then what can I do about it? I suppose I could insult them back but then I would be lowering myself to their level. This is just another reason to give up the dating scene as I can't compete with other prettier women nor would I try. Although; there are worse things in life to deal with so I consider myself pretty lucky if that is the only dilemma I have to face.

Thanks for the kind words though as I do appreciate it.

It's a mystery to me why anyone would insult your looks. But of course I don't understand men's minds. I'm afraid part of it may be that everyone is so conditioned by TV now that some fools actually expect everyone to look that way.

Do you mind if I ask, are you a Trekkie? (You're among friends, you can say :) There's nothing I love more than Star Trek.

Navygirl... You are beautiful. If a man insults you, he is not worthy of you anyway.

Honestly, I don't understand why anyone would insult one's looks. As I previously said; it could be a way of making themselves feel superior or better. Who knows though as the human mind is a mystery and men's minds baffle me. LOL After all; looks are superficial anyways. I always look beneath the surface. I agree though that people are influenced by tv. I blame our society for putting pressure on people to look a certain way, dress a certain way, and even what weight one should be. Me, I rebel against society dictating to me how to judge others. I would never live by other's expectations and I chose to lead not to follow. To me; I find all people beautiful as I see the beauty inside the person as well as out. Okay, now I will step down from my soap box. LOL

I do love Star Trek but like all sci fi shows. I am a trekkie but not to the extreme my friends are who live and breathe it. I make the Star Trek costumes that are on my profile and now hoping to make some Medival costumes.

And I agree I am among friends here on Mingles. I love my Mingles friends. Thanks to all of you for coming into my life.

Thanks Machug. Yeah; I agree these men aren't worth the time of day to me. I stopped caring what men think of me or my looks. Life is too short and is to be enjoyed, so why let these men ruin things for me. Thanks again; you are a kind and beautiful lady.

My thoughts exactly!!!!!!!