We all have been mean to someone at some point in our lives.  I believe that “social media” has given rise to a new kind of “mean.”  The anonymity of not being face-to-face with someone gives a certain bravado to some, and it is easy to type something snarky and rude, and hit send without much fear of repercussion.  I have seen so many dramatic engagements online that have lead to drama and even tragedy offline, that I finally decided to write about it.

We all need to remember that human beings with real faults and feelings reside behind the profile pictures and avatars.  This is what I look like behind the Couponista Queen logo:

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My name is Stacy.  I am 40-years old, and I have learned a thing or two in my time on Earth.  I am a real person, with feelings, and yet time and again I get nasty emails and comments when I **GASP** make a mistake, or someone disagrees with me.  I usually let it roll off my back.  Sometimes it really hurts.  Sometimes I have to bite off my tongue to keep from lowering myself into a mud-slinging contest.  Honestly, I sometimes write that snippy response.  But I don’t hit post before I let it sit and I revise it…and 99 times out of 100 I don’t post it at all because I know I am being bitchy.  That being said, I do stick up for myself and what I think is right.  This is my forum and I am the Queen, damn it!  (LOL I am just kidding so don’t send me a bunch of nasty emails please, I know I’m not a real Queen, but this IS my territory so I make the rules.  The first one is that if you can’t type something nice, don’t hit the send button).   To be a blogger and in the public eye, you have to expect that you will never please 100% of the people 100% of the time.  And sometimes the criticism I receive is totally justified.  I also know that I need to be polite and measured in my responses.  What I find disturbing is the ease with which some will be quick to type that mean comment, and press send, and then defend the rudeness to the end.

So why did I write this?  I would really like everyone to take a moment before you post a comment and ask yourself: “Am I posting this to me mean?  Snarky?   Snippy?  Degrading?  Am I angry and need to cool down first?” and then ask yourself  “Would I say this to someone’s face?”   We all know when we are being mean, so be a grown up and own up to it.

I want everyone to please remember that we all have feelings.   We will not all agree, but respectful conversation is the civilized and educated way to resolve things.  Whew, I got that off my chest.  So please be nice to each other here in the virtual world AND the real one.   Feel free to comment and speak your mind.   Peace.