I definitely fall into the category of "newb". I came across this board because my life dramatically changed this year, and I suddenly realized that for the first time, the idea of getting married isn't an abstraction. My partner and I are both in agreement about our future. So, I got really excited and visited this website not for anything specific but just because I was really excited to know that I want to be with this person in a way that I have never wanted to be with anyone else before. I know that sounds sappy, but that's why I was glad to come here, in order to vent the sappiness more so than BSC (no planning a premature wedding) because it's something that most of my friends would not be able to relate to.
I didn't know what BSC meant when I came here. I didn't lurk on the board for more than a few days before I posted but I tried to figure out what the term meant and I read the sticky. I reall like that this board does provide a space where we can all talk about other things, that we can bring significance to this time in our lives. I was kind of surprised when I first posted that people were talking about calling venues or actually trying on dresses before one gets engaged. I was surprised that people do that. Also, I definitely think that the people who do one post about their pre-planned wedding and then run off do need a priority realignment. That said, everyone is different and we do all have different life experiences, values and situations.
I'm debating whether I should stay on this board because my situation and approach to life seems to be somewhat different than everyone else's. I haven't really said anything about that and I've avoided saying anything because I don't want to be judged negatively just because we have different approaches to life.
I will say that if I was "BSC" when I first came onto this board, I'm over it and back to my usual self that is concerned with pretty much everything but weddings, so in that case, the board has really helped me. I am now officially sick of watching Say Yes To The Dress. I've really enjoyed reading about random interesting subjects on here (that was the reason that I only lurked a few days before wanting to introduce myself, the topics seemed so unexpectedly thoughtful and intelligent for a message board on a wedding website). I'd really like to get to know everyone on here more, and to share in the non-wedding planning posts, but I have had this feeling like maybe I don't "fit in".
So yeah, I was just prompted to post this because I have been going back and forth since I started posting about whether or not I belong here. In light of the recent discussions about the old vs. new board in the last few days, it seems timely.