What I love about social media

             I love how social media allows us to know people on a deeper level. I know some may argue that it’s a, “fake level” or only a small snap-shot of the whole picture, but I disagree. Of course people mainly share their highlights and not their “low-lights”, but if you keep that in mind, it can be pretty insightful.  

                I’ve learned that I’m somewhat hard to get to know. I’m not an easy read.  I honestly never knew this about myself since I feel open, but looking back at all my friendships I can’t remember a single time when I’ve shared something deeply personal with any of them - even people I considered best friends for years. I kept all my struggles, fears, hurts and even greatest joys to myself. It’s not something I share freely unless asked or even pushed a bit. This is not something I take pride in. I can sincerely say it wasn’t aware.

Constantly trying to evaluate who and what is a safe space and who and what isn’t comes natural for me. It wasn’t until I started studying personality psychology and cognitive functions that I realized this about myself.  It was eye opening! It connected a lot of dots and made certain parts of my life make more sense. It also challenged me to open up a bit more and grow in this area. I think everyone should be invested in their personal growth because it challenges you in a positive way.

                As more people I know join social media websites they are learning things about me they never knew. It’s not easy opening up and sharing my pages, but I feel it’s healthy. They want to feel close to me, too. This is what I love about social media and blogs etc. You can get a better look into a person. It’s not everything, but it’s definitely something! You may not get an opportunity to get to know someone deeply with the casual conversations that lead nowhere, but friend them on social media and all of a sudden you go from level 1 to level 5, which will enrich your time together in person.

                Sometimes learning more about a person isn’t a good thing, but other times it helps us feel close. It helps us understand them and their lives. I appreciate those sorts of things, so that’s what I love about social media. I love SEEING you!