Saturday, September 28, 2013

Dear Facebook: Blogtember Prompt

Okay, so, you'll notice I'm not a faithful Blogtember follower.
Maybe I should have been, but at this point, we're just picking and choosing, peeps.
And this prompt, this "Write an antonymous letter to your FB pals," THIS I like.

Because, let's be honest, we all have a little Facebook angst now and again, am I right?
But, of course, we're such good facebookers, we're not honest about it . . . RIGHT? Or is that just me? Biting my tongue on the internet the same way I bite it in person because it's not any of my bloody business?

Maybe.

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Dear old buddies, old pals of mine: 

  • I LOVE it when you post pictures.
    I really do. I like seeing your lives and your joys and all of that. I like staying connected. Most of you are REALLY AWESOME photographers. You have adorable kids, cute animals, great fashion sense. Some of you are into fitness and post pictures of your progress and WOW! You're awesome. I love witnessing this from afar and cheering you on.
    But, let's face it, when you post a bazillion selfies, tagging things like #glutesalute. #sohot, and #ducklips, am I not supposed to be a little puzzled?
    What the crap is a glute salute anyways?

  •  Be real.
    If you're having a rough day, let Facebook know. If you're going through something hard or you're sick or just really down in the dumps, tell us. We'll encourage you and pray for you and everything. Be real.  Still, there's this balance between posting perfection and nothing but complaints. No one likes a Debbie Downer or a Perfect,Perky  Petunia (is that a thing or did I just make that up? Can it be a thing?)

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  • Be careful about your kids
    I love seeing pics of your kiddos. They're adorable, and it's fun.
    Sometimes, a picture of your bundles of joy every two hours is a little much, but, hey, I get it, they're adorable, and who wouldn't want to see all of that cuteness all over their wall?
    But please be careful.
    Those rampant complaints about your child? Not cool. Sure, EVERYONE has a bad day or even a really rough streak (Terribly Twos, anyone?), but, one day, your child may find that post. Okay, Maybe not your toddler, but your pubescent preteen might.Sure, we all have a right to complain now and again, but, if that person finds that post, how will you feel? Embarrassed? Justified? How? Always think twice before you post.
    I can preach this from experience: imagine eighteen-year-old me, leaving home for college, complaining about my parents, and then my mom finding those blog posts.
    Um, most awkward Thanksgiving EVER.
    Ever, people. EVER.
  •  Teens, I'm sorry he doesn't love you, but you'll have a new crush next week.
    Seriously honeys, it's not the end of the world. Been there, done that, and in my old age all I can do is roll my eyes.
    You're twelve. Those butterflies and giggles you get when he walks in a room? Not soul-matching, universe-singing true love. That's crush, sweetheart, and sorry, but there will be lots of those over the next few years.
    And don't rush it.
    I reiterate: YOU'RE TWELVE. Okay, maybe some of you are sixteen. That's just more drama than you already have or need.
    Hormones. Gah. Boo. Yuck.

  • Oh my gosh with the politics already! Or campaigns for organic or the evils of vaccinations or whatever platform you claim . . .
    I believe in being informed and having an opinion. I believe in doing research and finding a cause and a passion. I do. I have causes and beliefs and research I believe in--causes, opinions, and research I will, on occasion, share on my wall. I think it's awesome that we can do that and that it allows us to educate each other. It's fabulous.
    But there comes a line, people. A line where it suddenly becomes too much; where it goes from proclamation to screaming, from information to a sermon, and it doesn't soften my heart towards your position. It fact, it hardens it. I stop reading and thinking and instead just roll my eyes. Here they go again, for the twelfth time today, another post on ____. BLAH.
    Why? Because sometimes it's too much or it's too mean (has anyone else noticed how BRUTAL people become when you post politics??? Oh, laaaaawdy). 
    I love that social media like Facebook allows us to share things we find important, but doing the same, harsh, belittling, or fearful ranting over and over and over again only makes me more indifferent to your cause. Instead, post a few strong, well-presented articles or videos.  Having one wonderful post/link proclaiming your cause is better than beating my wall to death with dozens of lousy posts. 
Just a thought.

Do I sound like a dreadful person?

I probably do.
 
I'm very nice, usually, I promise . . .

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