My Facebook Rules

If there is something I love to do, it is people watch and observe the behaviors of others. The drama that ultimately ensues makes you realize how normalized your life may actually be. With all of that said, I feel the need to make a few comments on the way I have seen my friends use Facebook and my opinion on what to do and what NOT to do.

1. Don’t air your dirty laundry publicly on your Facebook page. People always say or do things you may regret later and you never want it put out into the universe where it can be viewed for all mankind and for eternity. If you have a fight with your girlfriend or wife, keep it to yourself or at least keep your comments vague, like – “today is a rough day, looking forward to tomorrow: You can always use your inbox to discuss it with your Facebook friends.
2. Do not befriend old boyfriends unless you are in a truly platonic and friendly relationship. Unless you are looking to rekindle an old flame or see if it can be re-kindled this is a bad idea. And, if you are currently involved, it gives your current partner or spouse reason to question and pry. Lastly, it gives you reason to act undecently; yes, drunk facebooking exists people!
3. Do not keep yourself tagged on any photos that you wouldn’t otherwise post to Facebook yourself. If they are incriminating, for goodness sake, untag yourself at the very least!
4. Do NOT talk trash about your work or employer on Facebook – you never know who is watching!. Most employers these days are tech savvy. In fact, many people are relying upon social media outlets like Facebook & Twitter to check on perspective candidates for employment. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but realize that if every old photo of you at a frat party is in your picture album, people may question your character irregardless of how many years have past.
5. Do ignore or defriend people if you realize – “I don’t know you, or I am not friends with you” You do not have to be friends with everyone you graduated high school with just to up your friend quota. Befriend those who you really want to share you life, your passion, your photos, your thoughts and your opinions with, and do NOT feel guilty.
6. Do not barrage people with pokes, requests, etc. Of course you should send out invitations to causes, and anything you feel you want to share with that person. But, if I get one more plant request I think I will begin to resent living plants! Use wisely.
7. Do post at least one current photo of yourself to your profile page of Facebook without masks, costumes, etc. on. If you try to befriend someone you haven’t spoken to in over 10 years without a photo or in a disguised photo, how do you expect them to remember who you are?
8. If you are a female, do post your maiden name with your married name on your Facebook page, even if it is not the way it reads on your Social Security card or Driver’s License. If you post your married name only, many people will not realize who you may be. I befriended a gal from my High School class once and it took me 4 months to actually figure out who she was!!
9. Try not to swear on your Facebook page – it is just proper etiquette.
10. Have a voice. Even though there are things NOT to do on Facebook, it doesn’t mean you can’t use it as a way to say something while networking with friends and family. Have a political statement to make? Make it! Have a news story you want to share because it is interesting to you? Share it! Have something positive to say? Say it! People judge, but if you are passionate about it – who cares!