Don’t Like My Tweets/Posts? Unfollow/Unfriend! – Me and Social Media – A Love/Hate Relationship

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I know from my Twitter tweets or my Facebook posts you wouldn’t know it, but I am a very shy person. I don’t make friends easily. I don’t know if that is a result of being bullied as child or what, but I am who I am. Once I get to know people, I can be talkative. I love certain T.V. shows (current or old, makes no difference), photography, crocheting, reading, playing board games, love music (there are some genres I don’t care for), I love cats, cars, NASCAR, and I love to write. Yes, I can talk up a storm if the subject is to my fancy. And, if I am comfortable sharing my life and interests with people.

As far as my Twitter account, I set it up to read tweets of people I was interested in, ask questions, and even participate in giveaways. Nothing more, nothing less. I didn't expect to have over 400 followers and be following almost twice as many people.

I don’t go seeking followers or anything. If I have them, I have them; if not? It isn’t the end of the world. I know I’m not that important, nor does the world revolve solely around me. Mainly, I tweet/post because of my friends, the “real friends” who enjoy seeing it – and my mother. The people who are “truly” interested in my life or day as it goes.

It’s sometimes easier for my mom to follow my Twitter timeline than my Facebook one. Anyone who has a Facebook account knows that they love to tinker and mess things up. I have simplified it with lists for her, but there are times she wants to check Twitter as well.

Also, when one is acting up, she has the other to fall back on. It’s a “back-up” for her and me. Even though we live together, and I am “OLD” according to some people, she really likes re-capping my day quickly while we do other things (cook, clean, talk about her day). We all know there isn’t enough time in the day, so we make the time count. While others may not care about my day, she does … and there are a few friends who do as well.

I don’t think it’s fair for them to be left out because it might ruffle someone’s feathers who really isn’t interested.

Although, if you don’t like what I have to say (or want to read it), I have to wonder … why are you following me? Why did you “friend” me on Facebook? Never understood the logic in following or friending someone only to complain about their posts. My mother says it’s because people like that LOVE to complain, it’s their hobby. Sorry, but that hobby sucks!

So, here’s where I cut to the chase and say – if you don’t like what I say – DON’T FOLLOW ME. 

You can MUTE, unfollow me, even block me. You’re in control of what you want to see or read. I’m not. I am not going to tailor my posts for one follower over the other. I’ve got over 400 (not complaining, just stating a fact). I can’t tailor it 400+ ways. And, there are some followers that are more important than others (yes, my mom is #1).

Now, don’t get me wrong. I like the fact that I have hundreds of followers (though it escapes me as to why). And, I like that people like what I have to say, and perhaps I do over-share. Sometimes people don’t like that. That’s cool.

I guess I could shut up and go away. But, why?

Why should I take control of someone else’s problem? After all, if they have an issue with it … IT IS THEIR PROBLEM. It sure isn’t mine. I don’t have an issue with what I say. After all, I’m the one who said it. Especially when it’s not porn, abuse, or hate related. I tweet a lot. I share … a lot; I talk about MY DAY, MY LIFE. It is MY TWITTER account. Are we seeing the “trend” here? 

I’m the type that believes we all have freedom of speech. While we might not like what others have to say, it is our choice to follow, friend, or comment after them – especially, if it’s something we feel strongly about.

But, there is a responsibility with that. That’s where the follower is in control.

It’s a conscience, voluntary choice to follow or friend someone. If you don’t like what they say, you might want to mute, unfollow, and block them. It’ll make their life and yours so much easier. 

Why? Simple … R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

You wouldn’t want your speech restricted, why would you do that to someone else? Why would you want to stop them from enjoying the same freedom you are enjoying yourself? 

I read something along the lines of “if you deny someone’s rights, you don’t deserve them yourself”. Makes sense. You want to deny someone’s freedom of speech, you shouldn’t have it either. 

One person is not more important than the other – you know that “equality” thing? Yup. Applies here too. You can’t have equality (the same thing for all people) when you set different standards for people – yourself and a “friend” for example. It’s not going to happen. 

Earlier this month, there was an incident on Facebook, and it caused me to make drastic changes. Namely grouping people together who didn’t mind my posts and weren’t so “loud” about debating my status (which should never be up for debate – my feelings are MY feelings) or my “sharing”. After all, they know who I am, I’m not going to change – never have, never will.

As a result, a “friend” de-friended me after I decided to take a more responsible choice and control of the situation, and tailor the posts for the appropriate groups.

I wanted to tell them why I did what I did, but what would that change? 

They’re not interested in my cousin going through a virtual war between friends and family (that caused her no end of pain); nor are they interested that they’re bringing up painful memories of being bullied and re-living the “because you’re fat and wear glasses, that’s why people don’t like you – you’re the reason you’re being bullied” stuff. Nor do they care about the stress my household has been under the last three weeks of June 2014. 

In short, they don’t care – so why waste my time explaining myself? If they wanted to know why, they would have thoroughly read what I said, and/or asked “why”. They didn’t, that’s it.

Also, I found it odd she was so upset about it – she rarely interacted with me (comments, private messages, “conversation”, etc). It’s not like we hung out, went for coffee, or even had each other over for “tea”. 

I find it odd that the people who interact the least, always have the most to say.

Anyway …

Getting back to “Twitter” …

It’s the same with Twitter and followers. I’ve unfollowed and blocked people, it doesn’t hurt me in the least (pretty sure it doesn’t hurt them), I have no recovery time, and my after-care is easy. I’ve muted people as well. If I don’t like what they tweet or share, I take control and do what I need to do to enhance my online experience.

I am in control of what I want to see. I am in control of feeling annoyed. I am in control of my emotions and reactions to the things I see and read. These are things a head doctor would say, right?

I deleted some tweets that were mainly for those who cared. I’m sorry I did. Looking back, I shouldn’t have done it. The people can still see it on Facebook though.

Am I mad? No (honestly, I’m laughing at the audacity now)

Am I hurt? God, No! (It’s not like I need their friendship for my survival)

Am I disappointed? Absolutely! 

Am I going to block? Maybe. It’s a strong possibility at this point

Am I going to unfollow? If that’s what they want. Although with blocking, it does the trick as well. 

I know I expect too much from people. However, I don’t think expecting people to come directly to me if they have a problem is that much. I’m not stupid, and I do pick up on hints (subtle or otherwise). If you don’t want to read about my day – mute, unfollow, and block. It’s simple.

If you want me to unfollow you (or block you), just ask. I will. I’m not going to make a production of it. If you want to mute, unfollow, or even block me, that’s good too. I’m sorry but unless I know you personally or we’ve been “friends” (through work, school, in person, or mutual friends), losing you as a follower is not going to make me cry. I’m trying to be nice, polite, and honest. I’ll be disappointed, but it’s YOUR choice. Again, I’m not here to be “Miss Social Bee”.

I’ve had my Twitter account for four (4) years. I’m proud of that. That’s the account most of my family and “friends” know me under. I’m not there to stroke egos, to placate people, or for a popularity contest. I’m there to enjoy the giveaways, the news from the sources (I.E: race car drivers, actors, publicity accounts, sponsors, etc.), and interacting with MY family and “friends”.

So, with that said … FOLLOW ME AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

I tweet. I share. I get excited about things. I get nervous (and tend to ramble), I’m human. I do make mistakes. I’m not perfect. If you need perfect people in your life – better just pass me on by.

TWITTER ADVICE (which I rarely give out): DON’T FOLLOW BASED ON THE “ABOUT” section. Take the time to read the person’s tweets, look at their pictures, see what they share – you may or may not like it. If you do, fine – follow.

Realize this, they might follow you back.

You might even say or share stuff they don’t like.

What advice would you give them if they didn’t like what you tweet?

Hmm…wild guess here – MUTE, UNFOLLOW, BLOCK. Sound about right?

It’s not rocket science. You don’t have to have a degree in Social Media Management. All you have to do is stop, think, plan, act. Easy.

If you don’t know your way around Twitter, Google your questions – or use any search engine you like. Ask someone how to do something. Some people will help.

Now, with that said … I will continue to TWEET what I want. It’s MY account. So long as it doesn’t violate the terms of service, is abusive, hateful, or offensive (pornographic, etc). You, the follower/reader have the remote control in your hands. I don’t. It’s like changing the channel on the T.V if you don’t like the programming. Isn’t that what you’d tell someone who complains about a certain #1 television show? Don’t like the programming? Change the channel or turn it off. 

I’d apologize if my over-sharing was too much. Not anymore. Not again. I’ve been apologizing my entire life (well, over 30 years at least). 

I refuse to. I am me. I am who God made me. If you don’t believe in him – fine. But, my tweets, Facebook posts, and blogs will reference him as I see fit. Why? It’s my constitutional right to worship as I see fit.

Don’t like it – don’t follow, don’t friend, don’t read my blogs.

Normally I’m not like this. I’m just done, did, and over with it. The choice is YOURS, not mine.

Now, about my day … 

Woke up early … got online, created this blog … and I’m going to have the best day God intended for me to have! I’m about to embark on a wonderful adventure and journey of a lifetime!

P.S: If you don’t like all things I “re-tweet” on Twitter? Simple solution … go to the “wheel” by the name and select TURN OF RE-TWEETS.

Easy, and better than complaining!