saving seats
February 27, 2015 § 4 Comments
Over the years I have tinkered with social media. More often than not, it feels a little like peeking in the privately public space of an acquaintance’s medicine cabinet. There are labels and indulgences, personal and generic tells that give away more than I need to know; some of which, in hindsight, I would rather not see.
For some, the public domain of personal sharing is little more than a day planner or scrapbook; an open journal among friends. For others it is a platform for opinions, a resource that invites conversation and change. An outlet for creativity or resource for connectivity we use these spaces in curious statements of self as we draft images of our lives into a light that sometimes illuminates fragments of self we might rather leave to mystery.
I wonder often what we might take back, the casual harms of public insensitivity and the intimacies we unintentionally expose; if we are braver for the illusion of privacy or more vulnerable in our accessibility. Some days I consider the chaos of my eclectic online companions with the same measure of enthusiasm and caution I once gauged school cafeterias.
I’m saving seats for those who share opinions respectfully, who speak first with kindness. I want to sit with the dreamers and thinkers, the doers and believers who wear their truths comfortably with room enough for tolerance and curiosity for differences that inspire and challenge assumptions. I want to earn my place among these people and walk gently in their company.
scribblechic 
I get it. It’s often harder when you’re not anonymous with your blog b/c people seem to think they have your emotional barometer in hand based on your posts. Makes it tough for cocktail party conversation:).
Ironically, few friends are aware I write in this context; those who are consciously support my creative outlet, mindfully engaging me without the presumed insight of these glimpses into my thoughts and emotions. I haven’t made the leap to complete transparency out of respect for my family’s anonymity, but I can appreciate how this would apply to blogging.
Very wisely and sensitively thought out. For reasons which I hope to be able to remain sitting at your table.
Thank you, Andy. I’m so grateful for the thoughtful community of writers and friends who share this space.