I Thought You Were My Friend

I recently read the story of a young woman who got herself into an internet confrontation that landed her in prison for the next 70 years without parole. She shot and killed her Facebook "friend". Apparently, what began as a "friend" connection took an unusual and fatal turn when she and the other woman got into an argument that they let beguile them into real in-your-face, face-to-face encounter. What went wrong here? EVERYTHING. They didn't really know each other.

It's wonderful getting to know people when genuine friendships happen on the internet. I know of several successful friendships, relationships and marriages that have resulted from those connections. However, there's a whole world of opportunities out here, and most connections won't become real, meaningful connections. And, it is so unfortunate that with the deadly outcome I just described, when each one seemed to have this misunderstanding: I thought you were my friend.

Critical, crazy and crisis scenarios can happen, and what we must do is avoid them at all costs. When the RED FLAGS are waving, pay attention:

1. When people you don't really know for real start getting salty with you and making threats, it's time to bail. Exit. Delete. Unfriend. Block. Say goodbye to the drama. It's not worth the potential consequences, and there are too many to name.

2. You do not have to explain yourself. You don't have to justify your position. You don't need to give a reason. You just need to shut it down. If you are getting upset, mad, worried and ready to thrown down with a person you don't know, this is cause for pause. Get reeled into a situation over an imaginary friendship? Know better, please.

3. But they started it, you say? You can end it, I say. I see way to many folks on the internet truly bothered by comments and opinions of others. You don't have to defend what you say, think and do to everyone who jumps your in lane to say something. Let your actions speak louder than your words. Put an end to the "conversation" by saying absolutely NOTHING.

4. Lastly, there are too many "friendships" on the internet that you can actually enjoy, so why bother with the folks who can't find the fun and the joy of the interactions and exchanges, the sharing, and even the caring that we express with and among our "friends" in internet land. 

People, don't waste your time on negativity. Don't chase drama. Don't be lured into confrontations of any kind. Don't use up your energy trying to prove anything. Be smarter. You're the boss of your stuff. Act and react accordingly. - S.R.F.

It' smart. It's wise. It's FOXOLOGY! Listen to archived FOXOLOGY podcasts:

FOXOLOGY with Host Silver Rae fox