Hi Shy Poet,

I think that Facebook does hurt self esteem for those who are prone to feelings of rejection and/or jealousy, like me. I have only recently discovered the detrimental effects it's had on my hard-won confidence when I found myself, hours at a time, reading and re-reading posts from people, trying to analyze whether or not certain negative posts were directed at me (for example fat jokes etc. from my sister-in-law who knows I'm sensitive about my weight). I look at pages of old boyfriends and crushes and end up comparing myself to their recent partners and feeling like a loser. I see old friends living it up in Hollywood, making lots of money. Other friends have babies...my husband and I can't have children. People who I have had feelings for are flaunting their exciting partners and lifestyles. I do post stuff and it's largely ignored compared to others.

The worst part is posting something and being ignored, then someone else posting the exact same thing a few minutes later and getting tons of likes and comments. Like no one wants to acknowledge me at all. I don't feel like I'm obnoxious or overbearing. I don't really message people unless I have actual plans with them to confirm or something. I just end up wasting hours on there and coming away with largely nothing.

But the one good thing is it IS a way to stay in touch with people and updated on causes I care about. Even so, as of lately, I think I rather not know some of the stuff that's going on anyway. Hurts too much to not be included.

Anyone want to go on a week-long Facebook fast with me? I hope to last at least one day!