Selection Bias

[Jefezen]

Something to possibly keep in mind when reading through these threads and the predominantly pessimistic replies is that we mostly only learn of the negative stories and negative outcomes in sites like these. If everything is going well in a relationship, people have less of an urge to post about it because there's no controversy, no distress, and therefore no real need for feedback.

 

I would estimate that probably 9 out of the 10 people who come here to post a thread are doing so to seek catharsis of some kind by sharing their concerns or sorrows with the masses. They find some level of comfort in learning of similar situations from the experiences of others. It makes them feel less isolated, less alone. As the old refrain goes, misery loves company. But how many of those same people return here after that initial burst of discombobulated emotion if the situation suddenly turns around for the better? In other words, do we really know whether almost everything shared here turns out badly? Maybe there have been success stories that emerge out of these tales of woe, and we never find out about them.