That's Just Me

I received an email from a friend who feels uncomfortable with some of my Facebook posts, especially those that pertain to religion and social issues.  I thought about what he said and decided to write the following.  I am posting this on my blog because I believe there are many who can relate to what I have to say.

I am definitely someone with an opinion, eager for the exchange, thirsty for knowledge, and elated by the acceleration of wisdom, but understand everything happens in time (with fate lending a hand too).  However I may be evaluated, know this, I am genuine in thought, careful in opinion, and I respect everyone.

Good or bad, communication is important, and it’s always been helpful to me to know where people stand on the issues, but as I always like to say, "We all have a point of view to express, and let’s share it with the understanding of agreeing to disagree." I might not always agree with your stance, but that will never stop us from being friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc. Never allow one single topic to define your human spirit, but be open to all possibilities. Let’s grow together as friends.

There are times when we take things too personally. – paerki

Dearest Friend...

Regardless of my occasional rants (and I know we won't always agree), I appreciate the diversity of my friendships here on Facebook (FB).

There are so many things that have the ability to divide us (religion, politics, etc.). I want to feel comfortable expressing myself on my FB wall, and I do! I’ve always said my FB page is nothing more than an open journal/diary. My intentions are not to alienate anyone or to make you feel uncomfortable.

If it's my posts about nature, food, books, etc., or my photographs that keeps our friendship intact and thriving, I have done my job and that makes me incredibly happy because every one of you matters to me.

There are times when I see wall posts that make me cringe and ultimately unhappy.  I think to myself, how can that person be my friend and think that way? We’re all in this together! But I’m not out to change anyone. Well, that’s not totally true. I’m out to change me (if/when necessary) because just like you, I am a work in progress. If I can open your eyes and hearts and make you a little less fearful of the unknown – that works for me! (FYI: Gay people are not your enemy.)

Lastly, I’m a good person. I would never maliciously hurt anyone. So to you, friend, I am sorry you feel my occasional rants about politics, religion and gay issues (after all, I am a gay man) are too much for you. I guess you need to make a choice.

I would rather talk too much than too little. I would rather over-share than not share at all (that’s not to say I don’t know what appropriate is, and there are so many parts of me that I would never share online). That’s just me. If a TMI moment makes its way to my FB page, that’s okay too.  I’ll suffer the embarrassment and will have a few laughs waiting for me when I look back at FB (I’m talking about when I’m old and gray).

I can’t simply post animal photos and happy quotes all of the time. I can't! There is nothing wrong with that, but it’s not my style. So let me be me and I’ll let you be you, and let’s just enjoy what we have in common – nature, flowers, trails and a love of life and those fabulous people that make us smile, laugh and love because that’s what you do for me.  That’s what all of my FB friends do for me.  You make me smile and you bring a little extra joy to an already joyful life.  I hope I do that for you.

I hope you make the right choice.  Peace… Love… Joy.  Cheers!