You’re so vain…you probably think this post is about you.
Some of you may remember the old Carly Simon song “You’re So Vain”. For years, many famous men wondered if this song was perhaps about them. I’ve noticed this trend again recently. Not in songs however, but rather Facebook posts.
The young, the old and everyone in between seem to be guilty of this. Even I have succumbed to the fear when reading a Facebook post…”Is this about me???” Does the simple nature of Facebook encourage narcissism? Google the two and see for yourself. Where else in the world is it acceptable to “friend” as many people as possible without even really knowing them on a personal level? Where else is it acceptable to have 200 pictures of yourself (duck lips and all if you happen to be under 18) and not feel a bit of shame in that?
Personally, I have pretty much enjoyed Facebook over the years. And love reading posts about a family reunion, parties, your kid’s first day of school, the new pet, seeing somebody’s great vacation pictures, a church event or great cause being promoted. Even political stances. Even just how someone spent their day. And yes, opinions. We all have them people. I don’t agree with them all. I don’t like them all. But I accept that folks have opinions. And I would never limit my “friends” list to JUST republicans or JUST heterosexuals or JUST Christians, just because that is what I am.
So I post my opinions. And I read yours. It’s a free world. And I don’t want to stop giving mine. Because that limits ME. So this is where I continually debate on if I even keep the Facebook account. Because why oh why must you take those opinions personally? Can I not gripe about MY day without someone out there thinking “that must be about me?” Can I not say I am sad or confused or happy or stuck in traffic without it somehow becoming all about you?
Don’t get me wrong, PLEASE! I like your comments, I love your support. And I try to be reciprocal with those as well. But gee whiz…this seems to be epidemic.
I hate cheeseburgers – “I just took her out for burgers this past week. She must hate ME!”
Bad day at work – “I work with her. Did I say something to make her mad?”
My dog just barfed on our new carpet – “She asked me where to get a new pet and I told her. I guess this is my fault now isn’t it?”
My toilet is broken – “My husband is a plumber…why didn’t she call us????”
I know it is just the nature of the beast to assume the worst. At least in me unless I fight it really, really hard! And I am JUST as guilty of this as anyone. But I am to the point of being scared to post even about my weather-related headaches, lest someone that has wished for rain blame themselves. Seriously though…I am going to work on this. And I hope others will too. And just as a side note…
If you plan on messaging me to see if this post was about you, then yes, it was. LOL.
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