Politest, understanding, supportive, and caring, sometimes even love, but you are quite right about the Internet, it doesn't appear that true intentions come through as true they were meant to on the other person's monitor, no mater whether it be across the street or in Timbuktu.
I will not wast my time with those who live to nit pick, argue, flame, or come in with a negative attitudes. It would be a waste of my time and theirs. But I have at times been on the Internet for several hours with someone who was truly in need of support.
After being a social worker for 20 years I have found that you can't please everyone, I was lucky if I got one out of 10 and that would be a good weeks work.
Love
Cindy