No more social networking

I'm going to attempt to go the whole summer without Facebook, and hopefully continue on through the duration of this pregnancy. This social networking site has been my entire social outlet for the last few years (probably 6, since we moved to MA). I think I need to quit relying on my computer for social interaction. Which means I will turn to my blog, where comments can be screened and any negativity can be ignored. When I do come back, there will be a major purging of my friend list.

Facebook is fantastic for many reasons. I have been able to keep in contact with family that I don't really see otherwise. I can stay updated on my friends' lives and their growing families and people have said they really like hearing about Jack and his development. I feel as though people care about my boring life. And if they don't, well that's where the lovely "hide all by..." option comes in.

Facebook (and email, and any electronic media, really) can also take written heartfelt words and turn them into nastiness. Inflection is read where there is none. Simple standing up for oneself can be misconstrued into me reading as a bitch. Opinions are offered when none are asked for. I don't expect everyone to agree with me, but when I turn to my friends and ask for support, I don't expect to be attacked for my feelings. I don't think it's okay for someone to tell me that what I'm feeling is wrong, that the only reason I feel this was is my hormones. I don't think it's okay that people take my pain and use it against me.

Turning away completely from social networking simply isn't possible, but I'm going to try to break my addiction, at least for the next few months. I do rely on chat and messaging to remain in contact with some friends. Friends who's opinions I trust and ask for. Friends who work as sounding boards to and from each other. Friends with common interests. I hope that these friends check in here periodically. Thankfully, there is still text messaging, email, and the phone.

I will probably be unable to completely remove myself, because I do really use it as a means to stay in contact with the outside world. This is especially important during the summer months, when I am so allergic to grass and trees and anything that pollinates. There are events that are planned through Facebook, there are friends who's numbers and email addresses I don't necessarily have and would like to stay in contact with. However, I will not be posting any pregnancy or Jack related updates to Facebook. I won't be posting personal updates to Facebook. I won't be uploading photos to Facebook, whether of Jack or my growing belly. I will be a silent stalker, if you will. :) I also figure that if people really care about our little family that they won't mind adding our blog address to their favorites bar and check in every once in a while.