I’ve taken the step of blocking my mother-in-law on Facebook, and I’d like to clarify: this is an act of love. It’s for her benefit, my sanity, and to ensure future family gatherings remain harmonious. Think of it as a digital safeguard wrapped in a guise of social etiquette.
Here’s the reality: once you connect with your mother-in-law on social media, she will inevitably scrutinize every post you make—especially those featuring her beloved grandchildren. It’s impossible for her to resist; after all, those little ones are her pride and joy. However, not every post will sit well with her, and soon enough, her comments may spark frustration on your end. This back-and-forth can lead to uncomfortable exchanges that are visible to all your mutual friends and family. Ultimately, this could turn into a rant session to your spouse, who may become defensive of his mother, resulting in unnecessary drama.
I’ve blocked my mother-in-law on Facebook, Instagram, and while my Twitter feed is public (which limits my ability to say what I want), at least I’m restricted to 140 characters of potential chaos.
Honestly, I know I’m not the easiest person to follow online. If you’re going to engage with me, you have to be ready for some Outspoken and Profane Posts. I have strong opinions on a wide range of topics and won’t hesitate to call out bigoted or discriminatory remarks. I’m relentless in voicing my stance against such comments, and I can assure you, I’m quite fierce about it.
I also share photos of my vibrant green hair and tattoos, which tend to elicit comments from family. My wine glass, filled to the brim at any hour deemed “wine o’clock,” often draws the same queries: “Who’s watching the kids?” Well, their dad is pretty capable, and, oh yes, let’s not forget Dora the Explorer!
Here are five reasons you might consider blocking your mother-in-law on social media:
- Unintentional Hurt: If I post a picture of my kids without her, it’s bound to sting. She may wonder why she wasn’t included. Explaining that we simply wanted some alone time won’t soften the blow.
- Different Sense of Humor: Our age gap means I might post something that horrifies her. A light-hearted selfie of me jokingly telling my kids to “eff off” can lead to her responding with heartfelt comments about how much she loves them. I can see the eye-rolls now.
- Clashing Beliefs: Our values and beliefs are influenced by our upbringing and experiences, making them worlds apart. If I express support for LGBTQ+ rights, she may feel compelled to counter with an outdated meme. These ideological clashes don’t belong in our online interactions.
- Public Embarrassment: Our relationship can be a bit dysfunctional, and I prefer to keep our private matters from becoming public fodder.
- Ongoing Drama: Social media allows for a permanent record of our disagreements, which can be revisited at any time. I don’t want the remnants of our conflicts to haunt me each time I log in.
If you have a great relationship with your mother-in-law, that’s wonderful and frankly, I’m a bit envious. But consider whether someone in your life—perhaps a relative with outdated views—could use a little social media distancing.
For more insights on navigating family dynamics and home insemination, check out this post on artificial insemination kits, or visit Kindbody for an excellent resource on pregnancy-related topics.
In summary, blocking my mother-in-law on social media has been a protective measure for both of us, aimed at preserving our relationship and avoiding unnecessary conflict in the digital realm.