Hey yall! It’s been a couple of weeks since you’ve received a Truth Tuesday from me. Truth is I didn’t have it in me to write anything. This Tuesday I’m back with another truth that I hope connects and stirs some type of emotion within you. As we all know social media is HUGE, and it plays an integral role in our lives. Since we’re all so “connected” to and through social media it’s important we create more spaces for all types instead of handing out so many petty likes.
Let’s be honest for a second (it’s Tuesday so we tell truths), have you ever given someone a “petty like” on social media? The truth is an overwhelming majority of us have. I know, I know, it’s not the best thing to do. Sometimes, they’re like little white lies, we do it to make someone feel better. Other times, it’s like we’re part of Regina George’s squad, and we like someone’s post for the hell of being mean. Why do we do this? I’m sure there are plenty of reasons both surface level and deeper. Here recently, I’ve been thinking about the petty likes I’ve given out, but then also thinking about the ones I’m sure I’ve received. Honestly, it’s not a good feeling being on the receiving end of one.
So, what can we do about this? I say we create spaces for people to be themselves without ridicule. These spaces should be both formal and informal, familiar and unfamiliar because that’s the only way we get uncomfortable, break down walls, stereotypes and fears to open ourselves up for change. Now, that doesn’t mean we can’t offer advice/suggestions, but we must be cognizant that it’s coming from a good place. It takes a lot of effort to create these spaces. I’ve been married two years, and I still have to be cognizant to create a safe, comfortable space for Anthony to express his ideas, thoughts, fears and feelings. Whether it’s marriage, friendship, a colleague, an associate or someone you’re getting to know, we must create these safe spaces for others to be themselves.
Recently, there has been an increase in conversations about mental health. From personal experience I know it’s important to have spaces where people can truly be themselves. Creating spaces is awesome, but it’s similar to “checking on someone”, it’s not enough. We have to do more than create, we must cultivate. We must do more than check on someone, we must actually connect with them, and my friends that requires way more than a “how are you” text. If you’re already in these type of positive, liberating cultivating spaces please comment and let me know their names so others can join. If you feel you don’t have a space where you feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable, let me know and we can start our own. “Belonging” is a huge part of mental health.
Let’s make a promise to create more positive spaces for all types instead of double tapping for a petty like.
Create, Cultivate, Educate and Love
Until next time loves…
Thought provoking post. I had to really give some thought to “petty” likes to see if I identify with either group. I can kind of relate to the little white lie group, but my likes typically come from a sincere place. I think in those instances, the person could probably use since encouragement. Either way, I think your suggestion for creating safe spaces is great – people should be able to express themselves.
Yes, I hope there are safe spaces for us all
This is causing me to do some introspection. Even the purposes behind my petty likes, if indeed that’s what they are.
I do try to be mindful of my messages and true to myself in my social presence.
I do too I try to be mindful of my messages
I can understand what you mean. I do genuinely like the posts I โlikeโ on Instagram. Thanks for always sharing your truth. Xo
Thanks for always reading โค๏ธ
I’ve never really put much thought into the petty likes. I know of people who do it, sure, but since I’m not usually scrolling Instagram or social media that often, I take my “liking” seriously. And, chances are, if I don’t like you or what you post, I’m going to ensure you stay off my feed.
๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ love this
Great read. I have given a few petty likes even recently. It sounds bad, but I do have to work on my pettiness. I agree with doing more than checking in on someone. We have to learn to be more present in people’s lives on a regular basis. The coming and going doesn’t really help.
Yes, we definitely should be more present. I couldn’t agree with you more.
This is actually something that I’ve been getting on myself about. I’ve bee on a journey to not do things that would hurt me in the long run if reciprocated, and well, like you said, social media is tiring. I’m also of the belief that if I have to give a petty like, I probably shouldn’t be connected with that person at the moment, and take steps to remedy that. It’s a long process of constantly looking in the mirror to better myself, but if I can’t be happy with me, I can’t expect anyone else to be.
Yes, I totally agree with you Nastasha. I’m right there with you.
I don’t do petty likes. If I follow a person it’s because I want to see and support their work. My pages stay small as a result. I am committed to being authentic and it makes life so much better.
I love how genuine you are Kita โค๏ธ
I love the motive behind this post. If only more people were like this. I don’t do petty likes at all. It isn’t me at all.
Thanks for reading Kim โค๏ธ
I always try to be certain whatever platform I am present on is one that is a safe place for my followers. No matter what their opinion I want to give them the respect I want for myself.
Love this!!!
You shared so much wisdom in this post. Some of the words that you shared that stuck out to me were, “From personal experience I know itโs important to have spaces where people can truly be themselves.” In our current world with social media constantly demanding perfection from us it’s hard. In the past magazines made us want to physically be perfect, but now, it’s not just magazines its everything and there is a demand for our lives to always be accessible and perfect too.
๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ you’re amazing! I love your blog and what you post.
I have been guilty of that in the past. Now I am quick to unfriend someone. I have learned the importance of having the right people in my life online line and offline. While we don’t have to agree on everything, I don’t fake my likes or comments. Everything isn’t for everyone and that is okay.
Yes!!! I couldn’t have said it better myself. โค๏ธ
I used to do this all the time and in result in made me wonder if people were “petty liking” my posts. So glad for growth.
Yes, me too girl so I had to stop it
It is important to have safe spaces to talk and what not. Creating a positive space is definitely important.
I totally agree with you โค๏ธ
I prefer being genuine over being popular. Often being genuine pushes people away. They’d rather keep things on the surface.
I totally agree! I’ve felt me being genuine and honest has pushed some people away.
Great post. I don’t know that I consider my likes petty. I feel Like if someone takes the time to post I should like it LOL. Maybe itโs pity instead of petty? IDK but this post is going to make me more mindful of it for sure.
I donโt think Iโve ever given a petty like. Iโll just keep scrolling. But i do agree with this post because thereโs no need for that. Social media should be a safe place for people to share.
I definitely agree with you