Frenemies

Social networking sites are the "IT" thing these days and it seems that nearly everyone has a Facebook page. I myself am on Facebook and love being able to keep in touch with all of my "friends." It's hard to remember just how anyone in this world kept in touch before.

I enjoy being on Facebook as much as anyone else, but something about it bothers me too. I've found that I've obtained "friends" who really never were my friends in the first place. Some are people from high school who in the past hated me, people from work who barely talk to me, and others who merely know me from somewhere way back when. All of these people have one thing in common, that being that they are most likely "socially stalking" my life, rather than really being my friends. I don't think that the label "friend" should be used to classify someone who you allow access to view your life (because isn't it rude to deny them?) but maybe instead, another title far more appropriate (although I have no recommendations as to what that might be yet...I'll keep you posted :). One idea might be to categorize these "connections" into groups such as Acquaintances, Co-workers, True-friends, Family, and Frenemies. 

Frenemies is a funny word you hear a lot. I kind of like the sound of it, actually. In truth, anyone can be a "Frenemy:" an individual who is a friend and enemy all rolled into one. I actually have many of these it seems. Of course, I am guilty first and foremost of allowing them to BE my "friend", but who can say no? I apparently cannot. I hesitate briefly, then click accept, letting them gain access to my life, my pictures, and everything I am up to even though I'd rather they not know. Why should they? If I were to pass these individuals on the street, they'd probably not even talk to me, and I can honestly say that I would never allow them to watch my children. And so, like spring cleaning, I've decided to clean out my closet of old, purging it of that which I do not want, and no longer need. Frenemies beware!

Relationships are pretty tricky. I have several really close friends whom I love dearly, and who all happen to live far away from me. It's funny though, that no matter what, we still maintain those relationships regardless of how often we all see each other. Relationships change as we go through life and as we ourselves change. Friendships I had in the past which I thought would exist into old age have since withered and died, even though the ghost of that relationship still stalks and haunts my Facebook page. Some people unknowingly admit to it when they say, "I saw your pictures!" but they never actually send you a message or comment on anything. Newsflash: that's stalking. 

To my true friends who are reading this, you know who you are, and I cherish my relationship with each of you. You are my dear friends because you care about me and my life out of love, not curiosity. And so I choose to love you all back and thank each of you for being my true FRIENDS.