Facebook v Real Life

I would prefer to talk to you in person than over Facebook chat or text, just throwing it out there. I wish every conversation we had was to each other’s face so we could actually let people know how we actually feel.

Words are a very powerful tool. If you learn to use them well, then you can manipulate them to your advantage. They can twist, wind and weasel through any situation to leave the unsuspecting victim powerless to suspect.

You can also make any outlandish claim you over chat. Telling someone to fuck off and being racist or homophobic is a lot easier with the protective veil of the internet. They give us a platform to project and the barrier to distance themselves from their actions. It’s also a lot easier to tell someone you love them.

And of course, we must have all been in that situation where interpretation is the key. The different layers of meaning that can be attributed to one sentence can send a person into a spiral. Then what happens if someone goes to the toilet, leaving the other person wondering why they aren’t replying. Are they mad? Was it something I said? How do I repair it? It feeds paranoia.

I guess I’m writing this for myself as a kick up the backside. Turn off the Facebook once in a while and get out and see people. Talk to people, give them eye contact and say the words you feel rather than the ones which sound fancy. If I end up telling someone I love them, I want to do it with the conviction, confidence and bravery such a claim requires. I don’t want to lazily type eight letters and send a text to confirm it.

Yes, I’m probably exaggerating, but I think the point remains valid. You don’t want to be defined by how you act online or through a text, but how you come across as a real life human being. Standing out in the open to be seen for all your glory is more rewarding than hiding in the shadows.