FOMO – The Fear Of Missing Out

FOMO. The Fear Of Missing Out. I’ll admit that I had to google this the first time I saw it in a comment on Facebook. No clue. But apparently it’s a thing now. I’ve got news for you: it’s ALWAYS been a thing. We just didn’t call it FOMO. Our parents referred to it as “keeping up with the Jones”.

It was real life. (Social media was radio and television!). Your neighbors get a new car and you’re a little jealous. Your sister and her family take a big family vacation and you’re on a staycation budget that year. Perfectly natural. Usually, we’re a little excited for them, a little jealous for us and we get over it.

Then came social media. The good and the bad of it is that everyone’s lives are in your face all the time. Other people’s food looks delicious and you think you’re missing out. Friends are traveling all over the world and you’re at home. Parties are happening without you and You. Are. Missing. Out. I’ve even been accused of created FOMO by posting beautiful tropical pics. (Especially during winter. . . sorry!)

I got hit with a wave of FOMO this past weekend. My husband and I had a quiet weekend. It rained for part of the weekend and we had inside-the-house stuff that we were working on. We actually had a very nice weekend but it was quiet. Fast forward to Facebook where my friends gathered with their families and whooped it up with friends. Instant FOMO.

But it wasn’t about a new car or their food. It was simply a case of missing my family and friends and I can do something about that. I can call them and make plans to get together. In my dreams, I live in the same area as my family and friends and we gather often. I cook and bake for them (all without weight gain, after all, this is my dream), and we have a fabulous time enjoying each other. In real life (IRL), my friends have scattered all over the country and are busy with their own families. My sons have work commitments – and they have their own lives and own friends. These are all good things but they occasionally trigger FOMO. Like this past weekend.

The FOMO is actually kinda silly. Social media allows me closer contact with my friends than ever before. I will be spending time with each of my sons this month and we talk and text often. But when you miss someone, well, you miss them regardless of the details. My friends understand this, and my boys, well. . . they are my boys and I can miss them when I want. It’s part of the “mom” deal. That is a little different from FOMO but seeing others with their families triggers it so I’m counting it.

So, post away. Let me vicariously share your family outings and the parties you have with friends. I may get a little pang of jealousy but I’m happy for you. Really. It’s all good. I’ll post some beautiful tropical pictures from the Keys and then I may just call you. We really do need to get together. . . . 💗