Over my morning coffee, I heard from a longtime friend — let’s call him Barney — that he’s decided to file for divorce from his wife of 33 years.
He announced it on Facebook.
His family, his in-laws, his closest friends all heard this news for the very first time … via social media. (I’ve since learned that Barney’s wife had begged him to hold off on his public declaration until friends and family could be told personally. Alas…)
Among the wailing and teeth-gnashing left in the post’s comments section by people Barney barely knows, one of his family members displayed real common sense and wisdom. He wrote…
“Barney, I can’t believe you took this route to announce what you decided. Totally bogus. This isn’t the arena to play this sensitive area of your marriage in. Unbelievably cowardly.”
Barney’s no better than the pimply teen who breaks up with his girlfriend by publicly tweeting her goodbye. He’s like a social media drama queen who holds a pity party with online acquaintances while they emotionally rip apart their circle of genuine friends.
You can get away with a whole lotta shit on Facebook.
You can argue mindlessly about politics, gibber on about religion, and post all the tiring dog, kitten, and polar bear videos you want. I’ll give you a pass for that.
But broadcasting your personal business to hundreds of “friends” on an online forum is inappropriate. And when you disregard your family and real friends while doing so, it’s inexcusable.
I’ve “unfriended” old high school chums and even family members for a lot less.
Bye-bye, Barney.
