We’ve heard of the stages for just about everything in life, but what about the stages of one of the most important events there ever was? Posting on Instagram. If you don't care about social media, first off-- God Bless you, but unfortunately this will not apply to you. However, for the rest of us, whether you post daily or once a year, you most likely have been through these 10 stages of posting on Instagram.
Stage One: Picking the Picture
Trying to decide which picture you like the best. Having too many options, having too little options, and the worst--having none (but posting anyway because, duh). Most of the time if you barely even like any, a good filter will help, right?!
Stage Two: Filters. All. The. Filters.
Going through every single filter on every single photo editing app in your phone, nine million times to see which one makes you look your best. But after the long search, finally picking the one filter you started out with. What. A. Waste. Of. Time.
Stage Three: Friends' Approval
You finally love the picture you're about to post, but before you do, you send your options to about one—or thirty of your friends. This is what can make or break your post. Either you'll get back the amazing text back of approval, or the brutally honest, worst, response where you shouldn't post (but you'll probably post it either way).
Stage Four: Caption. Nooo.
For me, captions are certainly not my thing, nor do I enjoy any part of picking one. Unless you already have the funniest or cutest caption of the year planned out-- this is the worst part, ever.
Stage Five: Know Your Audience
You've decided on a caption, have the perfect picture and you're so excited to post it...but then you have to wait for Instagram "prime time." This is that time you know people will be checking their phones/social media accounts, making the chances of getting more likes higher. Finally that time rolls around, and you finally post.
Stage Six: The First 10 Minutes (more like first 10 seconds) After You Post.
"It's up, it's up! Go like and comment!" "It's been three minutes why am I getting no likes?" "Should I delete?!" *Texts to every person you've met in your life*
We've all been there, the anxiety after posting an Instagram and waiting for the likes. Constantly hitting the refresh button, waiting for likes and comments to roll in. Then the regret starts to kick in. This is the worst part. It's filled with anxiety, self doubt, critically picking at your picture, anxiety, etc. Oh, and did I mention it's filled with anxiety?
Stage Seven: Reassurance
Finally, the anxiety and regret start to disappear as you start getting likes and (if you're lucky), comments. The first ten minutes after posting were, and always will be, the absolute worst and most desperate times. But now you're feeling more at ease and confident. Thank. God.
Stage Eight: Looking Through Likes
Now that you've got the likes, it's time to go through and see who liked it. Did that cute guy/girl you're super into like it? What about your friends, or even people you haven't seen in a while? Soon looking through your likes turns into clicking on random usernames that liked your photo, and intensely stalking them until you're looking at photos from so long ago that they basically date all the way back to the day they were born...but that's normal, right?
Stage Nine: Being Proud
You posted, you got all the likes and comments you wanted, and you look hot. What else do you need? Be proud of what you posted and be confident in yourself. Realize that you don't need "likes" on social media to make yourself happy, being yourself already is good enough and all you'll ever need.
Stage 10: Put The Phone Down
Hopefully now if you're happy with your post, who liked your picture, etc. you can finally put your phone down! It's been over an hour, and you've become consumed in your social media. It's now time to close Instagram, even put the phone down entirely, and do something else. Whether it would be homework, talking to people in person (oh no, what even is that?), or making food...do something that does not involve Instagram. After all, you've been through enough.
