If you’ve known me longer than five minutes, you might have read my thoughts regarding prom wear, and last week I tackled the topic of school clothes. I was inspired, you might say, by a young woman at a big box store who was in front of me in the line to exit the store, who was dressed in a spaghetti-strapped bodysuit that wasn’t snapped at the closure and jeans. An acquaintance took me to task for posting the pic and even said I should “do better” and that I was shaming the person. Realizing that I hadn’t considered posting wasn’t appropriate because I didn’t have the person’s permission, I deleted the pic which unfortunately deleted the post on my personal page.
I started to delete the comment right after I read it, but I wanted to respond to them publicly after I gave some thought to what I would say. I sent them a message because I felt that they made a lot of inferences that I wanted to address. Not surprisingly, they responded in a not so favorable way, and I apparently lost an acquaintance. Bless their heart.
I started KSmithSays about a year ago after writing about anything from prom dresses and interview attire to truly random thoughts at the suggestion of many. My law enforcement hubby isn’t a fan of me putting myself out there; he’s a natural protector and isn’t on social media and wishes I wasn’t either. I only post about him with his permission. I don’t consider myself a controversial person, but I don’t mind sharing what I think. I’m flattered when friends text me pictures to ask what I think of their daughters or sons in their prom finery. We help each other.
Although this person took the time to share their feelings on this subject, I do realize that most people don’t give a bleep about what I think. In fact, I don’t think that most of my close friends even read what I write. That’s fine! I write for myself. I didn’t start this blog business because I need positive reinforcement. I don’t expect to change any minds, but I do enjoy the conversation and everyone’s perspective. Whether or not this person was having a bad day, whatever they read or thought they read struck a nerve and that’s okay. I’m sorry for them that they let something I wrote occupy space in their brain.
They’re not the only ones who have unfriended me and they won’t be the last. Remember when we could disagree with people (most of the time it was in person) and continue to be friends? It’s so easy in our world now to run off at the mouth and let our fingers go to town on the keyboard and spout off jibberish without repercussions. I hope that our children learn that the best way to air grievances is through a conversation rather than a text or post.
A friend said that I should have countered with, “Who hurt you?” It’s likely that something happened to the person either directly or indirectly that triggered such a negative response and I ended up being the target of their ire. I think what they were trying to say in all the finger-pointing is that the onus of what to wear and dressing appropriately often falls on girls while boys often get away with not being policed by a dress code. I don’t disagree with that sentiment. If that’s what they meant I won’t know, but it would have led to a great discussion.
Whatever the case, even though their difference of opinion was expressed in a disrespectful manner, I can still respect the difference itself. If I saw them on the street, I would still greet them, and hope that they find peace.
Is the world a better place because of something I’ve written? Likely not, but I’m going to keep sharing. I know that I’m not “full of shit” as that person said as their parting shot. As a lovely friend told me, “If you’re not bothering someone, you’re not doing enough.”
If you feel so inclined, follow my page at ksmithsays.com. Even share with someone if you feel led to do so. You don’t have to agree with me; I hope what you read might make you think of something in a whole new way.
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