It’s a typical downtime moment when you log into your Facebook--spending just a few minutes--or hours--on your laptop before starting an essay, awkwardly trying to avoid social interaction in any given situation or simply lying in bed right before shutting your eyes at the sound of your charger plugging in.
Among all of the notifications from friends and groups you forgot even existed, there’s one that’s been sitting there waiting to be acknowledged.
You scroll your thumb to the bottom of the screen and congratulations! Your mom is on Facebook.
Regardless of how you feel about it, considering most of us are passed the age of being embarrassed by our parents, there are a few things to expect or relate to if you’re already familiar with seeing updates of the new carnations growing in your front yard back home or reminders that someone on your news feed is very fond of cliche inspirational posters.
Let the comments begin.
Many of us are graced with the articulate skill in providing witty humor through the pictures we share or the words we post, with as many likes as possible being the objective. However, with your mom being another set of eyes to witness such humor, it goes without saying that liking or disliking simply isn’t enough.
We all know it’s a buzzkill when you have to explain a joke, right? Well I’m sure you guys can relate to the frustration when you must respond to comments such as “huh?” or “Explain this to me.”
Even better, sooner or later we are always tagged in photos by our friends that are of course always decent.... it’s 2015, we’re all smart about that by now. However, you know and I know a good number of those pictures were probably taken when you were blacked out or had a bong behind your back. So, in turn, there’s nothing more solid than your mom commenting on how much fun you look like you’re having or wanting to know why you’re itching your back in the picture.
“It looks like you’re having such a great time, I love to see you go out and socialize, I know you don’t do it much- Love Mom.”
You’re tagged… In everything
A picture of a waterfall, a banner talking about how much someone loves their kids, these are, of course, the sweet and mild things your mother tags you in. They’re a little odd, but always have best of intentions.
However, for many people, there is the unfortunate struggle of being included in everything. Picture of the new Paula Deen-inspired casserole? Tag ‘em. Pictures of birds in the backyard? Tag ‘em. Picture of the cat? Tag ‘em. Hey, at least your friends will think there will be more to your life than school and partying, considering you highly enjoy the more domestic things in life.
Caps, Winky Faces & Exclamation Marks!!!!!!
Need I say more?
“HEY, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS OKAY, TEXT ME BACK WHEN YOU CAN… LOVE MOM.”
“RYAN STANDING IN FRONT OF MY BEAUTIFUL LEMON TREE, SUMMER 2013.”
“Lindsay and Justin are finally home for Christmas!!! They’re eating the chocolate chip waffles I made for them with all my love!!! Hopefully they won’t find out they’re just Eggos ;). Buy one get one at Costco!!!
….Just in case you guys won’t find out once you’re tagged in it obviously.
Despite all of the awkward, unnecessary hype that comes with someone very close to you simply learning social media, this all comes apart with opening up a new form of communication with someone who wants to be connected with the world like anybody else, and you’re definitely a part of that.
While you’re reminding yourself of this, though, telling them to tone it down a notch will sure do the trick. Just cut back on the comments and sharing, or just completely stop. That will do too.
P.S. I apologize for any comments ahead of time.
