This is basically what happens in my head: http://xkcd.com/ (note: no, it's not my comic. I wish it were though)

*For question askers:*

All the people trying to help you are volunteers. If you're nice to them, you'll usually get results; if you're not, you won't. (surprise)

While you're waiting for your solution, why not see if you can help someone else? You might be surprised at how much you know, and it can be fun. (no, really - that's how most of us got started)

*For question answerers:*

There is a bit of competition for points (it's the nature of the beast), but it's usually friendly and the end goal is to help whoever asked the question. Let's try not to lose sight of that. After all, you can't do anything with the points, and there are only so many T shirts you can wear.

Occasionally it may all get a bit much, at which point I recommend taking a break - try a different forum or even (gasp) go outside. Go on, try it - stumble blinking into the sunlight and remember you're human for a bit (you are, right?). If it's dark, you may wish to consider sleeping.