I’ve been hearing more and more lately about how Facebook makes some people very sad. I understand that. All the good news and awards and crowing about perfect kids and vacation photos and avowals of love…they can be a little bit overwhelming if you’re looking for some of those things yourself and not finding them.
After I thought about it, I realized that I don’t post about my struggles or my doubts, my fears, or my insecurities on Facebook. For example, just this morning I was “liking” a link that another author posted and then I proceeded to agonize over the time I met this author in person and perhaps gushed too effusively, a fellow writer with whom I tried too hard to establish a connection because the work spoke to me. I convinced myself that I am now a crazy-stalker-lady in the mind of at least one author I admire. Then I thought, No, that was an author. Authors love fans.
Then I thought, Yes. Yes, you are a crazy stalker lady.
Anyway, what I want to say to the sad people is this: I’m sorry. I just don’t use Facebook that way. I seem to be unable to pour my heart out in a virtual forum where everyone has a megaphone. But I do want to assure you that my life isn’t perfect. I have trouble sleeping. My brain works overtime on ridiculous stuff. I yearn for things I don’t have. I worry excessively. I don’t get out enough. I shovel snow a lot and call it exercise. I’m not where I want to be in my career. A ticking clock reminds me of my own disappearing seconds. And all those travel pictures? They’re from ages ago.
In other words, if my good-news-only posts made anyone sad, don’t be. Please. The internet is a grand facade. Don’t take it too seriously.
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