We refuse to believe that everything that’s said (or shared) on social media was thought about beforehand. Real talk, a lot of mistakes can be avoided if folks would take

a moment, count to 10, inhale and exhale and then revisit the situation; whatever the situation may be. No matter who pushed your button, think about how you’re going to

respond and reread what you’ve written before you click send. Once it’s out in cyberspace, you have to accept the consequences and they’re not always ones you can predict. “Think

before you type” is just as important as “Think before you speak”.

Some folks get into social media sparring like they’re going to win a one million dollar prize for doing it. NOPE. It’s one thing to state your point and move

on. But one, ask yourself if you have the self-control to do just that. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, ask yourself “Is this even worth it?” Is it worth it

to go back and forth? Is it worth it to get into it with whomever else might chime in? Is it worth it to distract yourself from other pressing matters

at hand (especially doing your job)? If you can’t say “yes” to all of these questions, it might be best to click off of the page altogether. At least for

a little while until you cool off.

The people who created social media platforms provided some awesome features to help to keep you calm. You can block people, you can unfollow them or even mute them (so that

you don’t have to see what they are saying). This is how you can stay on social media in peace without letting the trolls and idiots get under your skin. 

What happens when you’ve given it some thought and whatever was said, you believe does deserve a response? That happens. But before you do it though, watch something funny or

take a walk first. It will help to lower the cortisol (your stress hormone) levels so that you’re writing from a calmer headspace. Remember that one thing people can’t read

online is tone, so words can be misconstrued all types of ways if you’re not careful. You want to be absolutely certain that you’re points are clear and concise. Taking

in some humor or fresh air (or both) will help to make that happen.

If you do follow celebrity news, then you know that not a day goes by when someone posts something, deletes it and it still gets shared anyone. Whomever said “The

internet is written in pen, not pencil”, they ain’t never lied. If you don’t want something to go on permanent record, don’t say it. Deleting doesn’t have as much power

as you think. Never forget that.

Responding is saying what’s on your mind. Reacting is more like…giving someone a piece of your mind. BIG DIFFERENCE. And when you think about it, sometimes silence is what’s speaks

the loudest anyway. Think about this as well before you get caught up in a social media rant. No one can make you get caught up in their drama. It’s

always a choice. For the sake of your time and your sanity, please choose wisely.