Things I’ve Learned From Facebook

I’m on Facebook a lot. I’ll be the first to admit it, but I’m retired, have the free time and I like it. I’m on it for my personal page and for my tropical page. Sometimes I’m amazed by what people want to share. I have laughed and cried over Facebook posts. And I have noticed a few things that I thought I’d share.

• People actually make plans to go out and sing Karaoke. I truthfully thought it was just something that happened when you had too much to drink. (And some of my friends are good at it!)
• Apparently even I could wear a small bikini if I wanted to. I don’t want to.
• Other people’s food always looks better than what I’m having for dinner. Always.
• I am always missing out on something, somewhere, with somebody. Y’all make me feel like I just might be boring and that can’t be!
• Some people tell ‘way too much about their lives. Too. Much.
• There are a lot of prayers sent via Facebook.
• Celebrities feel the need and the right to try to influence my opinions and reactions to life. I liked it better when they just entertained me. I enjoy being entertained. The other, not so much.
• There is a “National. . . . “ day for everything in life. Don’t we eat enough donuts already without having a National Donut Day?
• People feel the need to answer a question via comment even though 200 people have already said the same thing.
• Very few people know that you can follow a post by clicking on the upper right-hand dots and turning on notifications for the post. You don’t have to comment with a “follow”.
• We no longer need Hallmark to send birthday greetings. I had over 100 Facebook birthday greetings last month – who needs a card in the mail?
• Not everyone realizes you can edit your comments. You don’t have to post a second comment correcting your typo.
• There are some gross and disgusting posts out there. I have a one and out rule. One of those really bad posts and I unfollow. Yuck.
• And not everyone realizes that you can “unfollow” a friend or a page and NOT see those posts in your timeline. You don’t have to unfriend a friend or unlike a page. You can avoid hurt feelings this way.
• Facebook has ruined class reunions. We already know who looks great and who doesn’t.
• My millennial sons no longer post on Facebook. I think most of our children would tell you Facebook has turned into a social media retirement village.
• Facebook has eliminated the need for my food and cooking magazines. I am down to one subscription and I doubt I will renew that one. So many recipe ideas online! When I really like a recipe, I go to the website to check it out and then PIN it on Pinterest. I’ve created my own cumulative magazine.
• I noticed several friends gave up Facebook for Lent this year. So much for sacrificing chocolate or wine. I like it.
• Sunsets Rule. Okay, this is my opinion but who doesn’t like a sunset?
• A lot of folks would rather ask their friends on Facebook about a personal problem than their doctor, lawyer or therapist. I see this a lot in “private” groups.
• Private groups – the ones you have to “join” and don’t post to the public – are not really private. Do you really think there isn’t someone you know in a group of 50,000 people with similar interests? Be careful what you post. Remember that someone can always take a screenshot and share. It’s not cool, but it happens.
• Saying “don’t judge me” doesn’t stop people from doing exactly that.
• Facebook really does decide who and what you see. Like and comment on the people and pages you want to see more of. It does keep them in your timeline.
I’ll admit it. I love being on Facebook. It has kept us in touch with our family and friends and it’s entertained us. Enjoy it, be smart and share your life with your friends. And stop by Tropical Life, Food and Fun to say hi. 💙