Friday, August 19, 2011

Why Facebook is good exercise for self-control

I read a post, today, from a friend on Facebook, lamenting something which needed no lament.  Today is not special.  At least once a week I see a post which tells me the poster either has a serious lack of understanding of the way the world works, or a complete misunderstanding of cause and effect.
These provide wonderful opportunities for my to practice keeping my virtual mouth shut.   Here are some general (made-up) examples of what I'm talking about and, no, I'm not thinking of you, whomever you are taking offense. 

Post:   "We have no money, I don't know what to do"
What I want to say:  "Turn off the x-box, and get a job.  McDonald's is hiring, and you're not too good to flip burgers."

Post:  "We are at our whits-end, we just don't know what to do.  Little Johnny is completely out of control!"
What I want to say:    Well, since you haven't tried it yet, why not try being a real parent?  You know, grown a spine, be the boss, say no, don't give in, and enforce some discipline.

Post:  "Look how tough I am!  Person so-and-so made me mad, so I will try a little spineless, passive-aggressive character assassination behind his/her back by berating them on Facebook without using that person's name!"
What I want to say:  Say it to the person's face, or shut your mouth.  You obviously have the spine of a jellyfish.

I didn't say anything.  I consider that an accomplishment.

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