
I love Facebook.
Since I work at home and on my own, I usually feel a little isolated at times and consistently take breaks. So, while I sip on my coffee, I go over and check out to see what my FB friends are doing.
It’s fun to check in on friends to see what they’re eating, what they’re doing and how they’re feeling. And the vacation pictures help remind me why I’m working so hard. (You work to go on vacation too, right?)
But lately, I’ve been hesitant to log on…
We’re living in such a different time now…
I don’t know about you, but my heart sinks when I read my Facebook Feeds these days. There seems to be a lot of anger & confusion. I understand the passion behind the different opinions but I don’t understand how it’s turned into threads of personal attacks and name-calling. Lately, I’ve shut my computer in disgust.
My teenager has the perfect solution for me.
“Look at this, Mom…you can just delete that person and never have to hear from them again.”
That is an easy solution, right?
But, I’m torn.
I’ve always been pretty selective about who I’m Facebook Friends with and I’ve made it a point to only connect with people that I really like and when there's a nice connection.
I never felt that I always had to agree with all my friends. In fact, I’m attracted to people who are NOT like me because it helps me grow as a person.
And, I believe this is reciprocal. I am lucky… despite my irritating and quirky ways, my Facebook friends have always shown their support whether they agree with me or not.
Friends do that for each other. We’re in each other’s corners and support each other as much as we can. Even when we don’t understand or agree with a differing opinion.
So, I will be not taking my daughter’s advice...I won’t be “unfriending” anyone just because they don't share my views.
However, there is a caveat...
If I see personal insults and name calling when there’s disagreement on my threads, I will directly reach out to that person and call them on it…not on their opinion but the way they’re expressing their opinion. If it’s in the heat of the moment and there’s an apology, then we both will move past it.
Because that’s what true friends do. We accept each other for who we are and work through disagreements.
What if that person is insistent on expressing their views with disrespect to the opposing side on my page? Then my decision becomes very clear and easy. I'm pressing the Unfriend and Block button.
After all, who needs that negativity in their lives?
Life is way too short…especially when there are puppies involved…
I'd love to know what you think...
