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Go Ahead...Unfriend Me...Make My Day!

We all must sooner or later face the dreaded "Unfriending" experience on FaceBook or Twitter. I don't care how popular, witty, intelligent, gifted, good looking or special you think you are. It's gonna happen if you have more than one friend or follower on any social media site.

So, stop with the gnashing of teeth, the drama and the isolation from your social media endeavors. Don't punish us or yourself by picking up your toys and going away. Don't give up.

One of the most important things I have learned is that people have the right not to like me.

Let me say that again..YOU HAVE THE RIGHT NOT TO LIKE ME. Say it loud..say it proud..it's freeing, it releases toxins, grows healthy nails and makes room to joyfully follow the people you do like.

As horrifying and confusing as I find that concept at times I somehow know deep down inside that people really do have that right and it gives me comfort to know I also have that right. And I'm OK with that.

We can never be all things to all people and thus liked (followed) by everyone. If we are, we haven't tried anything new, broken any rules, stepped out of our comfort zone or risked love on any level.

rejection

The Top 5 Reasons why I "Unfriend" or "Unfollow" People on FaceBook and Twitter?

I'm just not that into them and what they have to share...it doesn't mean that they are not wonderful human beings. (most likely, they are)
They advertise their product or service too much too directly...ew. I don't like that. If I find you interesting, funny, clever, smart or what ever..I may utilize your product. We do business with the people we like. (It's a fact people).
Their politics, rants and religious views offend me. This one is rare but it does happen. I love my own views too much to join your band wagon rants. I try to keep those topics to myself at a public level...trust me, when I need spiritual guidance I will seek it out and I do..often and with much zeal.
You don't have a picture of yourself posted...or you only have one. This may be just me but I'm not talking to you if I can't see your face. That's like walking into a party and chatting up a person with a bag over their head. Weird, to say the least.
You have unfriended me or said mean things to or about me...my days of enjoying abuse are over. By the way, constructive criticism delivered with a pinch of love is always welcome and needed. Many of my Twitter and FaceBook friends have really helped me interact better and embrace the subtle and acceptable norms of the social media world.

To lessen my chances of rejection I could always play it safe and only post milk toast topics and comments and never risk anything and lead a quite life of desperation OR I could be bold and risk making new friends, learning about new topics, exploring new products, software, apps, songs, poems, dreams....life.

The lines between interacting in real life and on Social Media Sites are blurring. I am a social creature. I don't want to miss a thing.
Why do you "Unfollow" or "Unfriend"?

Posted by Melissa Breeland on 07/11/2009 12:45 PM

Comments (6)

Social Media Networking in the Networking Channel

social media networking, twitter, facebook, rejection

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6 Comments on Go Ahead...Unfriend Me...Make My Day!

JUL

Good article, Melissa! There is so much information out there on "how to 'do' social media". I like the flavor and the feel of this one.

John Scott Smith

Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/johnscottsmith

Very good Blog Melissa....good info...I liked it very much

Melissa,

Love the pics! Yes, I know the hurt and rejection of being "unfriended" on Facebook! And I can tell you, the only reason it really got to me, was, because my son did it to me! hahaha! Little brat is all I can say to that!

Have a great day...Peggy, please be my friend, Christopher :)

Can't we all just get along?!!!

Please don't un-friend me Melissa. I'm sorry I was late with this month's check.

It won't happen again!!!

JUL

I would have to say #1 and #3 too many rants (isn't it called "social" media). The hide button works great if I basically like them but not what they are posting. For the no photo I tell them no more writing on their wall or messages until I can see their smiling face, a photo from 3rd grade will suffice. Your photos are a nice touch here. :)