I think this is very normal and not harmful, like in a real conversation. Someone starts a topic, others comment, then bring in their experience, with more topics and on goes the conversation.
The worst debating culture I have seen is in Portugal, everyone just yells at the others, all speak at once an no one ever listens to anyone else. I wonder how they exchange views or if they are even intersted in it? He/she who yells the loudest wins? Sorry if I offend any Portuguese readers but I could never get used to that

Birgit

Not a drop of Portuguese blood, Birgit, so not offended.

I recall reading a book about different conversational styles -- characterized by "Northern"/reserved and "Southern"/unreserved styles. Portuguese sounds typically "Southern". Canadian is typically "Northern". Because of the ethnic mixes in NYC, its style is decidedly "Southern". There is no right way, just a local convention that can take some getting used to.

that is why we all get along so well, we all like to converse and add a little to the pot, as my grandma use to say...

Forgive me for saying this as I don't mean it as an excuse however I've had long term back problems and do take something everyday for pain. Not that it makes me "stupid" or anything like that but sometimes I wonder do I offend people because I talk/write more than I post photos. I'm an absolute computer/camera idiot!

I think we all mean well here. We want to talk about our babies because they mean so much to us. I can't talk about my cats with just anybody. You all seem to understand where I'm coming from with my absolute love and devotion for my cats. People with out cats and without pets period think I'm "off."

Well I think really we all here have the best intentions to share and just know we're in a place that is accepting of the (forgive me for saying this) extreme we go for our beloved cats!

I greatly appreciate this group because we can talk about our cats. If I've hijacked or anyone has hijacked I'm sure we didn't mean to do it.. we just love our babies!!!!