I think it’s time for a social media break.
I’ve spent the last 7 months erasing myself from searches, deleting dumb tweets, deleting and un-tagging pictures and statuses, and getting rid of stupid things like Snapchat. (I still don’t know why anyone uses that.) I’m trying to be more private. I will be 30 next year. I don’t need a huge history of all the dumb things I’ve posted since 2005. I’ve been better at keeping things private and I’m not as active on social media these days. I didn’t publicly post about my divorce, but it’s better to announce that in person rather than a post on Facebook. I don’t post about my relationship, that’s actually been incredibly private. I’m starting to get to the point where I would rather get dinner and have a long conversation with a small group rather than post my life on there. And yes, I realize I’m posting my life on here. But I think maybe 3 people even read this. I do this for myself.
Another downfall of things like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook is low self-esteem. At least I’ve noticed that I suffer with it. I compare myself to other girls all the time. I will always be my own worst critic. I will see a girl post a gorgeous new picture of herself and I instantly feel down about myself. It can bring on jealousy. Social media can ruin relationships. I’ve been there first hand when I would see my ex liking his old girlfriend’s new picture. Or befriending another ex. You will always see things you don’t want to see.
“Do you think he likes this girl?” I’ve polled my friends before with that question. “Look at these pictures she posts, she is so much prettier than I am. Do you think he would ever leave me for her?” It’s awful. It ties to low self-esteem and can be a vicious cycle. I try not to be that girl anymore. I’m trying to grow out of that stage and be more confident. I’ve noticed a huge change in myself and no longer carry around all the trust issues I once had. I feel confident in my relationship. But there will always be moments.
I find myself being annoyed with over sharers. I see brand new babies and I get a little sad because I highly doubt I will ever have a newborn sleeping on my chest again. I see newly engaged couples, wedding pictures, honeymoon pictures, and I will admit to being envious and sad. Again, I’m fresh off a divorce and still a little bitter towards the idea. So when I see 5 new engagement rings next weekend I will have to fight the urge to throw a chair and cry into my wine glass. I accepted the idea that I might not re-marry. I might change my mind completely in a few years and want it again. Who knows? But I’m tired of seeing all of it right now. I’m tired of seeing everyone’s political agenda. I’m tired of constant arguments by people who clearly can’t just see the bigger picture. The only reason I’m glad it’s an election year is because I know it’s certainly boosted sales on a book that I’ve been pushing for my love. I’m tired of living in an overly sensitive world were someone is offended by a mother breast feeding her child but can’t see that there are children starving elsewhere. They are so concerned about religion and what religion is right, but don’t want to accept refugees because a few people gave them a bad name. I’m tired of guys thinking it’s okay to send nasty messages to girls and then calling them a “bitch” or “whore” when they get shot down. This is what social media is now. Oh, and moms on Facebook. (Yes, I am a mom on Facebook. Shut up.)
So maybe it’s time to step away from it. Put my phone down for a little while and not waste so much time on something that usually just annoys me anyway. Life is short. Don’t let people on the internet annoy you. Go have dinner with your friends, your mom, your grandma. Have a real conversation with your significant other. Put your phone down and show some respect for the people around you. Every moment you capture and every feeling you feel doesn’t have to go on Facebook.