Re: Newbie...
Good Morning Emily and a very warm welcome.
I do sympathise with both you and your mother. As she says, there are nasty people out there only too happy to make other people miserable to match their own persona. But equally, there are many lovely people who cheer one up as soon as they join in the many conversations such as here at OFF.
All I can personally tell you is that I have been here on OFF for over several years and I have yet to meet any unkind or nasty people. Maybe the odd argumentative one, but they don't tend to hang around for very long when they realise we won't take the bait.
I know a few on here say to respect your mother's wishes regarding forums, that is correct, but on the other hand, a little encouragement to join in wouldn't do any harm either, we really are harmless and honestly, there are so many different topics on here that she would be spoilt for choice and would soon find that she would enjoy joining in the many conversations. What has she to lose? If she doesn't like us, at least she would have given us a try. We always do our utmost to make new members welcome.
P.S. An idea! Why not make her avatar "Emily'sMum" ?? she would be swamped with welcome hugs.