When I refer to a “veil,” I mean that thin, beautifying filter that often overlays our real-life experiences. Lately, my mornings have turned into a routine of groggily sipping coffee around 7 a.m., rousing my three kids from sleep to remind them it’s a school day and nudging them to start their morning (or mourning) rituals. I plop down at the kitchen table, log into my laptop, and inevitably, I’m on Facebook within moments.
“What’s on your mind?” pops up every morning. Oh, thanks for asking, Facebook! I find myself posting an uplifting quote, sharing a snapshot from our latest family escapade, or expressing my excitement for the impending arrival of baby Thompson. And yes, I try to squeeze in a selfie about once a week—just to remind friends and family what I look like.
The “memories” feature often brings a smile as I stumble upon charming photos of my kids from years past. I’ll post something like, “They are so perfect!” followed by my go-to hashtag, #blessed.
A few days ago, I had a thought and logged out of my Facebook account to see what my profile looked like from an outsider’s viewpoint. Wow! What a picture-perfect family! I marveled at how sparkly and outrageously happy we appeared in every photo.
I don’t intentionally aim to create an illusion of perfection. I just prefer to steer clear of negativity, both in life and on social media. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that there’s so much more beneath the surface of our posts—something we all experience as we scroll through our feeds with our morning coffee, subconsciously comparing ourselves to seemingly flawless families.
I can’t shake the image of how my Facebook looked from the outside, and I feel compelled to share some reality. For instance, that selfie I posted? It was taken three weeks ago when I had actually gotten decent sleep and my eyes weren’t puffy. Now that I’m in my third trimester, sleep is a rare commodity. I’m lucky to get two hours at a time before waking from a swift kick to the bladder or racing thoughts about labor, laundry, or even hunger pangs at 4 a.m.
Right now, I’m in the pajamas I’ve worn for three consecutive nights, sporting greasy hair because my morning sickness has returned with a vengeance. I just lost my cool with the kids for opening another box of cereal when three others are already half-eaten. The tab next to Facebook? A Google search for “what is normal vaginal discharge in pregnancy.” I was so zonked that I had to double-check I wasn’t about to post that on my status instead of searching. And let’s not forget my daily sigh when peeking at our checking account—it’s a struggle to keep up with groceries, school pictures, sports fees, and that much-desired “babymoon” before the baby arrives.
But none of this makes the cut for social media. Such truths would reveal that I’m not always the optimistic, healthy-eating, yoga-loving mom brimming with wisdom. I’m pretty sure the milk in my coffee this morning was past its expiration date. And that cheerful family photo at the beach? It was the only shot we got between my daughter elbowing my son, my son rolling his eyes in protest, and my husband and I bickering over last night’s pizza expense. But, hey—smile for the camera!
I truly adore my family and am proud of who we are. I appreciate social media for the chance to share moments with family far away and to post inspirational quotes in the hopes of brightening someone’s day amidst the political turmoil and distressing news we encounter daily.
It’s vital to remember that Facebook—and social media in general—reflects real life, albeit through a filter. The unflattering and challenging moments are often excluded, leaving only the polished highlights of everyone’s existence. So, while scrolling through your feed, resist the urge to compare. We’re all battling puffy eyes and strange Google searches behind the scenes. We may not all sigh at our bank balances, but we all have our own “stuff.”
For anyone interested in exploring home insemination options, check out this informative post on at-home intracervical insemination syringe kits. If you’re seeking expert advice on fertility, visit ICI’s blog. For further guidance on the financial aspects of fertility, this resource about fertility insurance is excellent.
In summary, let’s lift the veil and acknowledge the reality behind our social media posts. Life is messy, beautiful, and far from perfect, but that’s what makes it truly worthwhile.