I’m a people person.
I have manners (most of the time) and I love my friendships (all the time). But, there’s also this great new thing that has occasionally threatened to ruin some of my friendships…it’s called Facebook.
I am heading towards my late 30s and therefore, I did not grow up with Facebook. I was not brought up learning about the etiquette of public versus private posts and the intricacies of tagging people. And hashtags? That’s a whole different conversation.
However, due to the unique combination of me being an extrovert and a stay at home Mum, I have spent much time on Facebook and subsequently learnt several tips that have proved very helpful in navigating successful personal and professional Facebook relationships.
So after a little trial and some significant error…here are my top tips for beginning or maintaining effective relationships on Facebook.
- If you’re even just a little hesitant to say it in person, don’t write it on Facebook. Funnily enough, things are not received better if they’re typed rather than spoken, so if it’s at all harsh, probably pause and more importantly think before you type.
Is what I am about to type:- True?
- Helpful?
- Inspiring?
- Necessary?
- Kind?
- If you have to think twice whether something is appropriate to post/repost or type…probably don’t.
- If you’re mad…close Facebook.
- If you want to criticise someone…close Facebook.
- If you’re frustrated…close Facebook.
- If you want to make a political statement and you’re past caring who you offend…close Facebook. Get the drift? There has rarely (if ever) been any positive outcomes from a Facebook vent.
- Use Facebook for the wonderful communication tool it is. Educate yourself. Make yourself familiar with all the goings on around you. Be they school, church, or even just your kid’s friends lives keep an eye on your news feed and you’ll feel far more in control of what’s going on.
- Praise. Praise. Praise. Praise. Praise.
Who doesn’t love some genuine specific praise? Get on your child’s year level page and tell the teacher how you appreciate that they go the extra mile. Compliment someone on…well anything. Post an inspiring quote or share a fun story that will uplift people. We all need more wonderful moments in our lives. - Be very careful who you ‘friend’. The temptation is to have hundreds of friends but before you click accept, ask yourself, in light of what I post on Facebook, am I comfortable with this person knowing that level of detail about me? If the answer is ‘yes’ then go for it! But if ‘no’, then there’s nothing wrong with putting off that request.
- Please, in all of this…just be nice. We all have hard days, days when we feel like people forgot to let us know the details, days when we’re fed up with feeling like this…but I can assure you that if it is support that you need, or even just that you would like…real genuine true support has rarely emerged after a Facebook rant.
With all that in mind, I’m off to check my news feed. Hope you have a truly awesome day.
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