thoughts on the FB break-up...

Nearly two months ago, I announced that I was going to be quitting Facebook;  I have since been back, and felt that I should explain a few things, for my own peace of mind. I mean, it did feel like running into an ex at first.  I had made this announcement, and suddenly I am lurking around... sort of makes one feel I didn't really mean it, or that I had no will-power.

To be honest there were only a few reasons that I was sick of Facebook.: 1) I had my feelings hurt. 2) It seemed that over the past six months there had been more nasty posts done in the name of a political party/ religious belief than I cared to read.  I get that people view social media through different eyes than I, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.  But it was draining to even view all of the negative banter.  I decided I was too busy for it.  And really, aren't you too?  Is anyone really won over by a few snide remarks on a status update?

The third reason was entirely my own doing.  I was completely self-conscious about my posts.  It got bad.  I was checking every hour or so to see if anyone "liked" what I wrote, and feeling completely down if no one did.  Foolishness, I know.  There is no excuse, but with all of the transition we have had lately I have left many friends, and developed few in our new place... so I was living vicariously, which is not really living.

Taking a break, meant being brave... facing loneliness and striving harder to make friends out of strangers.  This is an area that I always struggle to start in, but usually ends up being therapeutic.  My soul needed some searching, my carpet needed some knee prints worn in it.  I am ashamed of how shallow I had become.  It happened so quickly, I did not even see my waywardness coming.

I got back to some old-fashioned correspondence.  I wrote a few letters, handed out my email, and started to heavily upload pictures to flickr for anyone who cared to see how we were doing.  Honestly, I really really love writing letters, and am so glad to have rediscover that.

However, like most rash decisions that I make,  had to re-evaluate quitting Facebook altogether.  I knew there were people I would possibly lose touch with completely, and life events that I would not be aware of.  I mean, in the busyness and with the distance, I cannot expect special treatment when folks have learned they can simply upload their change of life and everyone will know.  As much as I would like everyone to pick up a pen or phone long distance every now and then, I realize that is not the world we live in anymore.  While my time on Facebook is more limited than before, and my friends list shorter, I simply love some people too much to quit completely.  So, I'm still around... for those guys who post REAL things about themselves, and their families that make me giggle, and sigh, and say inwardly, "I miss you."  You guys are what make social media good, in my mind.  Keep it real, seriously.