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Off topic question. A few years ago I started a heated, short-lived debate on an online forum. Soon after, however, I realized my arguments were flawed. Is it c

Off topic question. A few years ago I started a heated, short-lived debate on an online forum. Soon after, however, I realized my arguments were flawed. Is it creepy to send an apology to a few users after such a long time? I don't know them in real life, but I regret my rushed judgment to this day. I would like my online behaviour to be consistent with my real-life behaviour regardless of circumstances.

freedom7775 9y ago
Creepy? No. Just don't grave dig if you decide to apologize.
Knufen 9y ago
I honestly think most people don't give a [spoiler]shit[/spoiler]. I would at least find it very weird and probably think your autistic or something. Note: I don't mean the autism thing in a bad way.
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tedsanders 9y ago
I wouldn't find it creepy at all, though obviously depends on the exact context. I admire people who change their minds and who follow up to tie off loose threads. Others might feel differently, but I'd encourage you to reach out if you're considering it. Generally I think reaching out to others is worthwhile. And just doing it usually takes less time than pondering whether you should do it or not.
bringtheaction 9y ago
Can't you say so in the thread then? That way people coming to the discussion in the future will see your admission of being wrong.
annywhey 9y ago
On the one hand, it's not worth it if you have become a traumatising figure(e.g. bad breakup) - an apology can't fix that. On the other, a heated online argument, you're anonymous and only remembered as one more incident of low level aggression. So sending any kind word is probably good overall.
davesque 9y ago
Nah. In general, I wouldn't call that kinda thing creepy. It seems like you should be able to state that you retract what you said after further consideration. However, I guess it would really depend on the situation. I suppose it is possible to dream up some scenario in which apologizing would come off as creepy. For example, if you ran into some girl or guy you knew from high school and decided to apologize for some mundane thing you did that no one would ever remember and, thereby, let on that you've been thinking of them for years despite never having had any actual contact. Not saying your situation was anything like that. Just a hypothetical.

freedom7775 9y ago

Creepy? No. Just don't grave dig if you decide to apologize.

Knufen 9y ago

I honestly think most people don't give a [spoiler]shit[/spoiler]. I would at least find it very weird and probably think your autistic or something. Note: I don't mean the autism thing in a bad way.

deleted 9y ago
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tedsanders 9y ago

I wouldn't find it creepy at all, though obviously depends on the exact context. I admire people who change their minds and who follow up to tie off loose threads. Others might feel differently, but I'd encourage you to reach out if you're considering it. Generally I think reaching out to others is worthwhile. And just doing it usually takes less time than pondering whether you should do it or not.

bringtheaction 9y ago

Can't you say so in the thread then? That way people coming to the discussion in the future will see your admission of being wrong.

annywhey 9y ago

On the one hand, it's not worth it if you have become a traumatising figure(e.g. bad breakup) - an apology can't fix that. On the other, a heated online argument, you're anonymous and only remembered as one more incident of low level aggression. So sending any kind word is probably good overall.

davesque 9y ago

Nah. In general, I wouldn't call that kinda thing creepy. It seems like you should be able to state that you retract what you said after further consideration. However, I guess it would really depend on the situation. I suppose it is possible to dream up some scenario in which apologizing would come off as creepy. For example, if you ran into some girl or guy you knew from high school and decided to apologize for some mundane thing you did that no one would ever remember and, thereby, let on that you've been thinking of them for years despite never having had any actual contact. Not saying your situation was anything like that. Just a hypothetical.