Oh, the internet. *sigh* Oh, social media. *double sigh* Sometimes I love you and sometimes…well…you make me just a little crazy. Okay, a little crazier. Sometimes that’s a good thing: causing me to think deeply about what I believe and why, challenging my notions about life and health and parenting and marriage, and getting me to consider issues from different points of view. But sometimes…sometimes you make me tired. Like a whiny, demanding child. You beat me down and make me sad and wish I’d never read that article (or the comments), clicked on that link, or scrolled through that news feed.
So much negativity.
So many put-downs.
So much misunderstanding.
So much insulting.
So much shouting.
And not nearly enough listening.
Recent events have only served to heighten this insanity. And I, for one, have had enough. So since this is my blog and I can rant if I want to, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. In a very civilized manner, of course. I am a grown-up, after all. And if you choose to comment or engage in dialog, I would ask that you do the same. Because, really, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry…er, crazy.
Without going into too much detail, I’ll simply say this: I am NOT a hater. Please stop calling me – and those like me – that. You have no idea what that does to my spirit. What’s more, I believe it’s possible to disagree with someone and STILL LOVE THEM. Crazy, I know. But still, true.
You see, I love my husband. I love him with all my heart. He is, truly, my best friend, my closest confidante, my greatest ally. But sometimes, I disagree with him and the choices he makes. Not just about what tv show we should watch or where to go for dinner, but real stuff. Important stuff. Stuff that matters. There are times when I adamantly believe he is flat-out wrong. When that happens, I’ll tell him so. I’ll share with him my beliefs and my perspectives, and provide a reasoning for my position. But I don’t stop loving him just because I disagree with his choice. I will still walk through life with him. I will still cry on his shoulder and let him cry on mine. I will still hold him when he’s feeling sad our discouraged and celebrate with him when the blessings rain down. I will still laugh at his jokes…okay, maybe that’s going a bit too far.
I realize this is a simplistic example of a complex issue, but I implore you, oh friends of the internet, to please consider that there may be someone just like me who loves you very much but simply does not agree with your choice or decision. I will still share in your joys and sorrows, I will still celebrate the good and commiserate the bad.
Who knows? I might even laugh at your jokes.