Social Media Class: Do You Have Any?
I don’t smoke and I rarely have a drink, but I have a fairly strong addiction to social media. I know I am not alone with my addiction and there’s not a chance that I am going to try to recover. However, the other evening I saw how far things can really go when people hide behind their computers and duke it out on a public forum. Sometimes I am amazed at how bold people can be on-line because they wouldn’t have the brass ones to say these things in person. As far as I go, I do not need the safety of a computer to say how I feel.
Not being known for hiding my feelings, I simply posted an update to my Facebook page on Thursday evening, “In the midst of a hot flash. Wish I could fit in my freezer.” Simple enough. Hot flash. As in the menopausal thing that women get. No big deal. Just how I was feeling at the moment.
How in the name of chocolate did this transform into a Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots match between a bevy of boys who started slapping each other with comments after I received a fairly rude one in response to my hormonal issue? Frankly, I appreciate the men of Facebook coming to my rescue. It was valiant. In fact, it was slightly amusing. I even offered to serve popcorn for this WWFacebook event.
When I post on Facebook, Twitter or even here on my blog, I open myself up for comments. I don’t take issue with that at all. Once I post something, it is all fair game. However, is there anything worse than reading tidbits of this ridiculous banter after simply posting about a hot flash?
Cheryl, forgive my ignorance on this topic, but if you’re hot & ‘bothered’ why not just release the tension, the good old fashioned way? Sex! And I’m being serious and I’m not trying to be a moron by saying this.
Well Michael, should I just walk out into the street and say “hey anyone want to get laid”? or should I go about it more discreetly? I’m single…and not a bed hopper….so…I’m not hot and bothered. I’m just boiling hot.
Cheryl, I find… you are very much ‘my type’ for reasons we’ve discussed…As for ‘Bed hopping’ I’m not sure what qualifies as such, I meant find a nice boy and continue to stick with him.
Find a nice boy and stick with him? HUH? I’m thinking you’re a bit all assuming here…I don’t have suitors because I don’t have the time. Focused on parenting my kids and taking care of ME. FIRST. For a change. I have no reason to think that there isn’t a perfect guy out there for me but I have no desire to give up the happiness I have at this moment just to have someone to “stick with”.
In NO way am I assuming anything! It’s a no brain-er and there’s nothing wrong with having some fun physically. Just because you decide to do that doesn’t mean you can’t be “A good parent and Mom”. People that sacrifice themselves for children, well…that’s a whole different story. Did you read and hear about the theory that the couple that puts their Spouses first and not their kids are the ones that make it, statistically? Again, to recap: No assumptions made. Just pointing out there’s NOTHING wrong with wanting to get laid. Sex is natural. There’s always time to get some or to meet somebody, its about making time in your mind, heart and body. I don’t believe in the bullshit of ‘I’m too busy’…She just doesn’t get it. Its like a guy at a bar LOOKING for a fight, if you don’t give her the answer she wants to hear, then obviously some thing’s wrong with you.I can debate with the best of them and am in no way intimidated. Its nothing personal. In fact, is she bothered to read the freaking comments, I complimented her. Typical woman.
That was only a little synopsis of a running “wall” commentary that ended up being 50 comments long. Yes, I posted that I was having a hot flash but how did this neanderthal of a man (can we call him a MAN?) end up turning this into my need for sex with a “boy”? Even worse, he called me a “typical woman”. WHY? Because I didn’t cater to his flirting and shoved his words back in his mouth? A typical woman? No woman is typical. We are all unique and I would hope that no woman would ever fall for a spineless douche bag like this guy.
And it goes on…but you get the point. I had to edit the crap out of his bad spelling and poor grammar so I could at least post his comments here. Well, a few of them. He wrote so many I had to take bathroom breaks. Once the men of Facebook jumped in on the conversation, the language got a little blue. I just continued to eat my popcorn and watch the action. Who says you have to turn on the TV to find entertainment?
What’s my point here? I’m not sure but what I do know is people can really work their panties in a bunch fairly quickly in the world of social media. They comment without thinking…and make assumptions without regard to how many people are reading them. Do you have something personal to say to me? Send me an email or a private message of some sort. I will respect your opinion. Do not clog up my Facebook wall with your completely asinine assumptions.
Perhaps this goof does not know what a hot-flash is. Could be he has a poor relationship with women so that is why he thought a hot-flash meant a woman in need of a booty call. Of course, I am just assuming here that has a poor relationship with women because most solid men don’t mutter the idiotic things that he did.
Once your words are in print, it’s a permanent thing. Unless of course, you’re quick enough to press “delete”. However, Blondie is always looking for something on the edge of controversy to post about so she’s quick with the copy and paste.
So, Prince Not So Charming, have you learned a little lesson in Social Media Class today? You can spit it out but you won’t be able to lick it up…because your words become my property once you post them for me to read. How is it that I “friend-ed” someone as ignorant as you on Facebook? You really aren’t the type of person I care to socialize with. Time for some Facebook housekeeping.
Oh, and thanks for the a little too late apology note you sent me privately. Now that should have been posted on my wall…not your other mucked up ramblings. By the way, just so we’re clear: You are not my type. At all.
I’m such a typical woman, aren’t I?
nice advice and sharing,I will buy one this nice pants for me .thanks
OMG! The lengths some guys will go to because they can’t handle rejection. This guy is a real tool and I love how you handled the situation. Thanks for sharing it with us. I was feeling the need to get some popcorn myself
Great entertainment indeed!
Cheryl, I always love your blog. It’s so refreshing in this PC day and age to read a strong woman’s words. One who’s not afraid to speak her mind and ruffle a few feathers. Keep on parenting those kids and taking care of you! oh and keep blogging, you are an inspiration to single moms.
Jenni Jiggety – Actually god didn’t invent vibrators, a man did (George Taylor) in the late 1800′s help doctors alleviate female hysteria. Bizzare huh. Love your posts Cheryl.
Cheryl, I need to get on your facebook as mine is a bit boring! I loved your comment about the hot-flash! Funny. I think the MSP who commented is the one who needs a good lay. I wouldn’t want to get on your bad side, girlfriend!
I so agree with you, Kim!
-) My bad side is so harmless…I’m a pushover.
Damn! And here I thought Facebook was boring. This seals it, I’m opening an account now!
Btw Mr. “Prince Not So Charming”, the next time you begin a comment with, “forgive my ignorance on this topic”, stop – think – delete – and STFU.
@SharonMcP
Dang, how did I miss that on FB this week? Must have been snoozing. Good for you ~ the older we get the smarter we are.
And even on my blog About Me page it says “Hot Flashing at It’s Finest” ~
About Me
Gee, Cheryl, thanks for the kind words. I’m extremely married, but my wife is a devout Democrat, so she apparently has decided what the meaning of “is” is. I suppose that means I’m free to use cigars and such, if you should someday decide you’re interested.
I wouldn’t make that offer to just anyone. Certainly not a typical woman. If I wanted a rag doll, I know how to thread a sewing machine. When I was single, I was only interested in strong women, the kind that knew how to pronounce both no and yes. My standards haven’t dropped since.
Jenni, vibrators are cold, lonely, and you don’t have to go home in the rain, but if God had made them, the batteries wouldn’t keep needing to be replaced. I assure you that as a clever and inventive man, I’m a better lover – even with my pants zipped – than any vibrator ever made.
Creepy, Cheryl!
Plus, who needs a BOY anyway? That’s why God made vibrators.
Social??
They are your priorities and you may change
them any time that you wish to.
They are your standards and you may hold
them to whatever level you wish.
Thanks for being who you are.
http://merb002.blogspot.com/2008/11/bugs-and-lids.html
Nope, Cheryl… you’re a cut above.
Oh my Cheryl, you are so right! People forget that social media is SOCIAL! It is simply an extension of how you would carry on a conversation face to face with a person. I am constantly (although I shouldn’t be by now, I suppose) amazed, appalled, amused, entertained, flabbergasted, frustrated (hmmm, I could go on and on with this), by people’s inability to understand this concept. Would the PC word be “socially challenged”?
Social Intelligence is simply the most important skill one can master and it is clear that many need a lesson or two!
Oh boy, oh boy!!!
Barb—did either of us go on a blind date with this guy?? lol. Because if so, he’d be on the Kissing Frogs page. Your story is going up tonight, by the way! I’ll let you know when it’s there!
I heard the crack of the bat…then witnessed the Homerun… Fly…Fly…Away!
Ahem…a private apology? That’s a swing, and a miss!
I had to start at the beginning to make sure I read everything correctly. Guess I am easily confused by idiot-speak. Did he equate the freezer with a cold shower or what. So, does that make him your ass hat of the week?
Love you new look. Boy have I ever been remiss in my blog reading since you moved over a month ago and I just now found out. Goodness.
Cheryl, there are all too many “typical” women. One of the things I like about you, as opposed to “typical” women, is that you have what used to be called “testicular fortitude.” (To be fair, there are all too many typical men as well.)
There are too many drones in this world, too many sheep and not enough goats. I’m not suggesting that I prefer fighters to lovers; I don’t like fights at all. But there are an awful lot of people who who go from cradle to grave without anyone knowing there were here.
If you’re not lead dog on the sled, the scenery never changes. Everybody should take a turn playing lead dog.
Harl—thanks…I’m actually fairly mild mannered but in the 8 years I’ve been a single Mom, I’ve learned that I have to stand up for myself and my kids. No one else will!
There is nothing that stands the hair up on the back of my neck MORE than a guy that says shit like “typical woman”. For the love of all that’s holy, even without that crap where does he get off putting on your WALL that HE thinks you need to get laid? Good grief.
The last time I heard “typical woman” was the first time I bought a car by myself in 1990. I wanted a red one and the salesman said, “well we have blue and white in stock. Pick one of those.” “No, I’d like red.” “Typical woman….” Well, the typical woman left and went to another dealership where the guy was happy to order me a red car.
Those two words just crawl up my skin like a nasty itch…
Hot flash = needs sex? I have had so many (due to fever though) that my hubby should have been told this earlier and he could have scored. Regarding ‘jerk’, I am glad he was put in his place. I will say that it is frustrating how folks feel they can say whatever they want will not repercussion.
Jennifer–I guess that having a hot flash is the new indication that we are in need of a little horizontal mambo. That’s just a little off base–because when I’m having a hot flash it’s like a meltdown. lol
Cheryl, you have a talent for taking something that would annoy most women and making it both instructive and funny because the comments were so over the top. I want to hug you and laugh at the craziness at the same time. I’m sorry you had to deal with such absurd wall posts. I hope this guy will learn to pause a minute or two before posting something in the future. You need a boy like a hole in your head. Lol! Someday you might want a partner, a friend, a man, but never a boy.
And all that from mentioning hot flashes. :O
Monica…sometimes I have to hold back and try not to go on a tirade. I tend to use humor a lot because I think it gets the point across better. If I used my serious side here there might be bloodshed.
Ya know its funny cuz I actually saw this going on as I am friend-ed with you… thought it was slightly hysterical… and I love that you just come right out and say you are having a hot flash… keep up the laughs !!!
damnit! how’d i miss this, im adding you asap to my facebook! ahhaha. i guess this went as well as the breast feeding post! erg
Wow. What a MO-ron. Loved your responses, and your soapbox attitude toward the situation–I wouldn’t have been able to resist publicizing his foolishness, either.
the back and forth went on and on…funny thing, I stopped responding after a couple of times and it was as if the FB crowd took over. It was really odd adult behavior but I think that the online thing gets out of hand because people don’t see it as “REAL” conversation. It is….
Cheryl, your blog is looking very sleek -I like it! And that youtube video is hilarious. I’m going to post it on my Facebook page! Enjoy the rest of your weekend…
Thanks, Jennifer! I love wordpress…still a work in progress but I love it!