I joined right after my husband past away. I needed a place to get away from all the religious bullshit I am surrounded with living here in Texas. I can't tell you how sick of hearing "he's in a better place", "it was part of god's plan", blah blah blah. This site has helped me get through one of the hardest experiences of my life, and I am forever grateful for the kindness of strangers when I first posted. I've since made some friends on the site and couldn't be happier that this site exists for Atheist and Agnostic people. Now if we could just keep the buybull thumpers away the site would be perfect!!!

I've met some really wonderful people that I have made an effort, and will continue to make an effort, to meet in real life. Just because we have laughed and chatted about the state of the world and life in general...grown ups that know our time here is all we have so better make the best of it...

I, too, have learned a lot from other peoples' experiences, good, bad and ugly...we can't all do it all or be everywhere, etc. so learning from others is the best education...

I like most people here and find that a sense of humor and a sense of outrage are both appealing to me.

You will always be a 10 to me, Dave...

You just now shared something meaningful, to me, at least.

I find fellowship on this forum. In the Bible belt, there are few people I can be honest with. They tend to get offended that I don't believe in gods. Here, I can be myself.

I originally signed up here because I was "looking for a woman to come in to my life".

But at 73....I've pretty much 'given up" that search for a "lover".

I had recently moved farther away from a long distant (60 miles/1 hour) relationship to double that distance - It's been 13 years of off again-on again-off again - where we can't 'agree to disagree". The move helped me "distance" myself from her....

I gave up on "match" and POF....a few dead ends left me depressed. A.com gave me some optimism.

But then I learned that A.com is much more like FB; much more of just a social media site...for talking about different things....learning and sharing....which I've come to love even more than the "persuit" of a lady to love!

...and while that's been going on I'm learning to love myself better.

I definitely feel some mental health improvement thanks to good people on this site.

It serves some of those same purposes for me too. Yesterday I shared about my father's death both here and on FB. It was interesting to see the differences between the responses on the respective mediums. I got some very sincere, touching responses on FB, but I think the ones on here were more helpful, meaningful and comforting, probably because the commenters on here share my non-belief and are more honest and outspoken.

Hello @Bigwavedave.

Don't give up on level 8 - I've only just achieved it, though it was a long haul.

I really like this site, and come here for a few reasons.
1st I don't have to "hide" my atheism. On other social media, there are many "god lovers" and while my friends know that I don't believe, I can't post as freely as I can here. I don't want someone's prayers and I don't want to debate religion at every turn. On Facebook and Instagram I'm all "butterflies and rainbows - be positive - you can go it!!!"
The other side of that same coin is that I volunteer in the community, I therefore keep my profile public and try to keep it as "sanitized" as possibly. The folks I interact with are of many different faiths & beliefs, and I don't want to make religion an issue.
2nd The folks here seem to have a higher collective IQ than other social media outlets. I more likely to have a decent conversation here and am able to relate to some folks here better and easier. Also, for the most part, I don't have to watch what I say. My every letter won't be scrutinized by some troll.
3rd Memes R Us! I feel like my day isn't complete without some awesome Memes and that group is just freaking awesome. It's were I go to unwind, vent, laugh, get shocked, roll my eyes, find some cheese...
To clarify, I had no idea Agnostic.com was a dating site when I first joined, and was happy that there was an option "for community". Not that I don't want to date, but to me, community and friendship are more important and definitely a required 1st step for any relationship.

I also joined after my cousin told me about this awesome site. I somehow landed in Texas after my husband passed and felt and still do like a fish out of water here. But with this site I can talk to like minded people. I find so many over the top religious people and trump crazies here in Texas ......what was I thinking moving here from Canada??
You all keep me sane .

I love Agnostic.com because of the intelligent, funny, kind and thoughtful members.

It's a joy.

I'm here to give my meaningless opinion just like everyone else. It's mostly entertainment when I have nothing better to do in the "real world" for a few minutes.

I have too many facebook friends with similar worldviews. It's interesting to see some different ones. And I enjoy a relative anonymity here.

I use agnostic.com because I like the opportunity to discuss, read or share any topic with a freethinker community. since I came to this page I have learned a lot from each of the members, but when they suggest books, videos, songs or any article is a plus for learning and it enriches my way of thinking. Another reason to be in agnostic.com is for community and as plus to see if I can find my romantic - non-believer soulmate.

I find it like a support group. Sometimes it is easier to discuss your issues with people who you don't know personally. Plus, you get advise from different perspectives. The best part is no one tells you to pray about it or gives you advise based on scripture.

Don't sell yourself short.

Don’t worry about hitting level 8 or higher, nothing different happens there.

For community and for similar nonreligious viewpoints.

"you all" as they say in the south." The Southern (Dixiebonics) word is "y'all". Y'all can be singular or plural. All y'all is plural.

Y'all come back now, ya hea.

It's a more open minded web site and don't have to deal with religious bs. I feel more accepted here than Facebook or offline.

i like it because, although there are proportionately just as many pugnacious punks and ignorant idiots here as on facebook, there are also proportionately just as many cool folks, and they're not the same cool folks i know on facebook, so i've expanded my reach and my reachability, both. in addition, very few people here say they're going to pray for me or tell me i'm going to hell, so that is cool too. (on facebook, i don't get that a lot either, because i've weeded such folks out of my life, but still. it's potentially more annoying on that level. i still hang out there. i can multitask, you know.)

g

I started using Agnostic, because i thought it was this relief from all the unwanted thoughts and prayers occurring in the periphery of my life. I did get into a huff n' puff with someone over inappropriate internet behavior and then retreated from logging in daily. I also spoke with someone I met on AG about his absence from the message boards and chat rooms. He told me he got into this tumult with another member with slut-shaming at the core of their disagreement.

I think because AG is so different from other social media outlets, it's hard to remember that we are still online with strangers. I have met a few people on AG who have enriched my life. But there are still some personalities with whom I clash.

I'm at level 7.4 / You mention that you don't think you're going to get to the next level. From 7 to 8 is a long stretch. Some people come on daily with good morning messages. Others share the profoundity of their thoughts. If you stick it out and find what works for you, you'll get to the next level. If you lose interest in the site, I don't think there is anything wrong with saying you need a break from AG. (Yes! Even AG!)

Good Luck in reaching the level you want and have fun with whatever you do!

I feel free to be myself. Because after all, even i am amazed at some of the shit that comes out of my brain! I have to censor myself when I'm around normal Christians

I don't worry about the level I'm on. (Though I do look forward to eventually getting a tee shirt.) I just enjoy chatting with people who have views similar to mine.

Yes, we aren't getting out of here alive.
Agree with you, this is an interesting experience in so many ways, other than just grounding. I do find fascinating how one thing lead to another and next thing you know, the thread takes a detour between other parties. Sometimes not even discussing the original topic and going at each other like it's their duty. At times goes the other way, where everyone contributes with thoughts and ideas, suggestions, etc. This is more than just Agnostics.com, this is a channel where we all are connected and it is up to each and every one how we choose to use it. Keep the narrative alive my friend, let the communication flow and move forward. Now, IamGoing back to sleep.... Cheers

Of those I meet - I prefer most dogs to most people. But on here I meet many people who I would like to sit with and share coffee or a meal - so metaphorically we do (and my dog lies beside my chair as we chat)....and I look forward to crossing paths with many more interesting agnostics