How I Won At FaceBook

There is no shortage of things to be offended by on FaceBook. You can try your best, but eventually someone will say or post something that literally makes your skin crawl. Be it religion, politics, BLM to what you eat, there almost always seems to be someone waiting in the wings to hurl some inappropriate comment at you. Oh it's on. You must defend yourself. Must you?

My friends list is literally people from all walks of life. From politicians to pornstars, constables to convicts. From every corner of the world, to every belief system. I did this by choice. Why? Because I don't have all the answers. People really do intrigue me. How do we grow when we safeguard ourselves by surrounding ourselves with only like minded people. The world is a colorful place. Who wants black and white?

While surfing the internet highway you're bound to run into some people, ideas and language that you personally find offensive. But I'm the why guy. Probably because I've worked in mental health for 30 plus years. I know that there is always two side to a story. Often there are three. Your truth, my truth and THE truth. But the truth gets slanted because of our belief systems, upbringing and basic skill-set. I like to ask why. I try and put myself in the position of the other person. Sure, I have been unfriended. Does that bother me? Not at all. I'm smart enough to know that there will be some people out there who have no desire to try and find common ground. And that's cool. I simply bless them and let them be on their way.

Have I ever unfriended someone. I would like to say that I haven't, but when I first started the social media journey, I'm sure I have. That said, I cannot remember the last time I did that. Has to be a decade or so. Not that it's good, bad or indifferent to unfriend someone. Do what you feel is right. I just believe that social media is a microcosm of the world and it's better just to learn to live side by side with people, and not let them take your inner peace.

So how did I win at FaceBook? I do what I believe all adults do. I don't engage in name calling, bullying or hate speech. If I see a specific issue that I cannot let go, I involve myself in it. I cut a check, make a meeting, sign a document or make a phone call. In other words I take action. I am respectful. And if the cause is very dear to me, I do not stop.

However, I watch so many people completely lose it on FaceBook over {what I see} as silly things. Its almost like some people are not happy until they can be unhappy. I personally live a life that many do not understand. But, the cool thing about that is I am rarely confronted because of my general respect of the lives of others.

So here is a list of things that will not offend me when you post about them.

I am a vegetarian {of 30 years} and I do not care if you eat meat. I'd like to have a conversation with you about it. But I will not post pictures of dead animals to try and guilt you out.

I don't drink alcohol but I don't care that you do. I just want you to be safe.

I am liberal in my political views, but still call many Republicans friends.

I don't smoke weed and I DO think it should be legal. So go ahead a spark it.

I do believe in God and that probably will never change. Yes I know you're an atheist. Yes I know you think I'm weak minded. I don't give a shit and I still love you.

If you want to win, it all comes down to this. You have to learn to let some shit go. Just because someone sins differently then you does not make them a bad person. I've said it before a thousand times. Sometimes some very good people do some very bad things. We all have. Cut someone some slack. Stop being offended by every little post that you disagree with. The world is so much brighter because we have a difference of opinion. Celebrate that. Not condemn it. And if you do. You win at FaceBook.