Over the past years, several of my friends have told me how happy my family always looks on Facebook. They were sincere in their remarks implying that my husband and I must be doing something right to always be so happy as a family. While I appreciated the comments and wished what they said was 100% true, it’s not. And I feel that I must come out and set things straight: Don’t believe everything you see on Facebook.
Facebook profile family picture
The truth is more like this: We’re happy and content and smiling 85% of the time but about 15% of the time we’re not. What you’re not seeing on Facebook is either me or the kids crying, throwing tantrums, yelling, fighting or sad.
Now, you might be wondering why I only showcase the good and not the ugly? The answer is simple. When things are good, when the boys are happy, when I’m happy, it’s easy to pick up the camera and snap away. People (aka my family and friends) love seeing pictures of my kids playing around, being silly, happy and goofy.
Typical profile picture of my boys
But when things are bad? When things are bad I’m probably losing my mind, crying to myself, wallowing in my sorrow, hiding in the bathroom or wondering how I failed as a parent. The last thing I think about is grabbing my camera to take a picture of my kids who I wish would just go away.
So just remember, what you see on Facebook is only part of the truth. While it’s not a lie, it’s only part of the entire picture. Parenting is great. It’s rewarding, fun and amazing. But parenting is also hard, exhausting and tests your patience. The real truth is somewhere in the middle. They say that misery loves company but sometimes, misery just wants privacy. So just remember, next time you see a friend’s pictures and status updates on Facebook, which makes you question your life, take it with a grain of salt. You’re only seeing half of the picture!
hahah so true!
Ain’t that the truth. You are just too cute for keeping it real Maya! Muah!!! xo
So true! thanks for sharing this.. it’s is a real reminder because some people do think a bloggers life is perfect! Even my life because I am able to stay at home and I work from home but we go through REAL struggles too.. we just don’t showcase it 🙂
I hear ya! I definitely try to keep it real on my social media pages, but it can be tough when all is see is idyllic images on others’ timelines. Luckily, the 85% is so good that it makes the 15% worth it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Love this, Maya! “sometimes, misery just wants privacy.” Well said 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Love you Maya 🙂
Right back at ya. Xoxo
No couple- family is perfect. Before kids all was perfect, ha ha in our eyes. Facebook is just a technological way of showing us in happy moments, remember we all hang pictures in our homes too. In those we r happy also . Why would u want to hang or post pics of misery. life with kids in today’s society is a whole lot dif then fifty years ago . We all must stop take a breath and hold iur kuds and lived ones close snd just be grateful!!!
Ah, this is so true! Thank you for the reminder.
Amen to that 🙂