My Facebook Life

I have often said "Facebook is the Devil!". I have been involved in far to many dramas and misunderstandings to count. I never thought I would become wrapped up in the site but I reached a point where not checking my newsfeed would be like not brushing my teeth. In addition to the status of family and friends I need to know what's going on with pages I like and groups I'm involved with. I recently started a small group for friends titled 100 days to change and my addiction to Facebook was on my list.

Starting on Friday I challenged myself to go 24hrs without arguing or complaining. Not arguing or complaining with another person was difficult but not impossible. Not doing it in my mind was a different story. My Aunt is a true southern lady and when faced with ignorance would respond "Well bless your heart". This is a very ladylike way of letting someone know they're a fool. I might not have let the words pass my lips but I sure was thinking it in my mind! To this end I decided to extend my challenge through the weekend and add to it NO FACEBOOK! (insert look of terror here)

I want to curb my addiction to Facebook and I also know certain posts can make me go full tilt instantly. I have already stopped reading the comment sections on news and entertainment sites because you can't argue with trolls. Arguing on Facebook is different in that you either know the person in real life or at least know about their life online. It makes me crazy when they say something I find ridiculous. Of course everyone should agree with my point of view! To this end I thought I could kill two birds with one stone.

I missed Facebook! It was like my best friend went away without me for the weekend. I would find things online I wanted to share or discuss but I couldn't. I wondered what people were up to? What was being discussed in groups? Jeez Louise! What was I missing???????? I realize now that in some twisted way it has become a friend to me. Facebook is one of if not the person I spend the majority of my time with. I could have called, texted or visited anyone on my friends list but I didn't.  I am much more likely to inbox a friend than place a phone call. It's so much easier to interact that way. We say what we need and respond when we feel like it. The truth is I've become withdrawn.

My relationship with Facebook and it is a relationship is the consequence of many other things in my life.  I have not worked in 2 1/2 years. My workdays were from 9am until anywhere from 5 to 7pm Monday through Friday. Those hours are now for the most part empty. I also have health issues that have kept me from doing things like volunteering. Facebook has given me away to be connected without really connecting. They say acknowledging a problem is the first step. My hope going forward is that Facebook will become a smaller and smaller part of my social life instead of the main focus.