[anxiety247]

Why are people so shi$$y???

Ok let me start by saying past two months I been working really hard of coming out of my shell to become more social. What helped me get back outside is photography. I got myself a camera as a motivation to get outside every day (well weather depending) Started a photography page on FB to show off my pics. I was all excited.

I reconnected with an old friend who also enjoys photography. We been out a few times taking pictures all around town. Where I am getting bent and please let me know if I am over-reacting. I posted a photo contest at the zoo here and tagged him to let him know so we both could enter. I think that's what friend do. Where i get mad - there was a contest at the local camera shop - you get your photo featured as the cover page and $150 gift certificate. Well my friend never told me about this contest and he won which I think is shady. The photo he won with was one of pics he took when he was with me so this contest was current. I mean that pretty shady to screw over a disabled person so you can win a contest and be in the spotlight. If I had know about contest and won it would have be great to get some more likes on my FB page to expand my little circles - he doesn't realize/care how hard that is with social anxiety and agoraphobia to socialize. He has 500 likes on his photo page 800 friends so he walks with an army and my fb photo page has 40 likes and I walk with a squad of 4 people =( This experience has caused me distress and feel bad because social media measures our greatness and I don't feel like I measure up

I'm sorry this happened to you. I can't say whether your friend meant to screw you over or not, because I have no way to know, but it seems as if telling you about the contest would have been fair.

I disagree that social media measures our greatness. I don't think it means squat, actually. I've seen some pretty scummy people with an awful lot of friends, both on social media and in real life. Because you don't have followers is no reflection on your talent. You could be an undiscovered genius.

There's a quote I read somewhere, can't remember where it came from, but I think it fits here. "The only thing anyone needs to know about awards is that Mozart never won any."

[gayleggg]

Yeah, I agree, social media doean't mean anything when it comes to self worth. It kind of reminds me of elementary school and everyone having clics. I'm sorry your friend let you down but then he may just be insensitive and not have thought about it. Give him the doubt and let go of your anger. It will be for your own good. Holding resentment and anger only hurts the ones holding onto it.

[arachnophobia.kid]

I'd like to acknowledge the fact that you're trying really hard to face your fears, kudos to you!

I'm also very sorry to hear you've been hurt, have you talked to your friend about how this made you feel?

[anxiety247]

The thing with this friend is is so full of himself - he will screw anyone of to get to where he wants to get trying to push his photography career. Just didn't think it would of been me. I think what prompted this was his room-mate was looking at our pics the one day we were out taking pic - he said to my friend I am sorry she takes better pictures than you. I know that bruised his "ego" so entering this contest and winning was a way for him to feel better about himself. I wish I could link you the picture he entered vs one of mine.

I did call him out (nice way) but he hasn't acknowledged what did or how it hurt me. He truly doesn't care. So now I don't know what to do with him - like is this someone I want to be around - I can't settle out of loneliness or lack of friends for hurtful friendships.

I will keep pushing through my anxiety and get out there and get what pictures I can

The social media thing gets me I feel like lack of friends and I have hardly any left nor any family to share in special moments. Depresses me. Like my life isn't as good as others. I know people that have 900 friends don't know each and everyone of them but still gets me. Like few months ago FB did that time line video of when you joined - most people got video's I got a thank you card LOL I didn't have enough moments to share....smh

[arachnophobia.kid]

Sounds like your friend has some insecurities of his own and unfortunately they have caused him to treat you badly. I would encourage you to try to forgive that if you can, since we've all got weaknesses. You may actually be able to support him and help him to be a better person in the future

I think you're right though, not having friends is better than having awful friends. I'm glad you talked to him about it, that was the right move I think.

Originally Posted by anxiety247

The thing with this friend is is so full of himself - he will screw anyone of to get to where he wants to get trying to push his photography career. Just didn't think it would of been me. I think what prompted this was his room-mate was looking at our pics the one day we were out taking pic - he said to my friend I am sorry she takes better pictures than you. I know that bruised his "ego" so entering this contest and winning was a way for him to feel better about himself. I wish I could link you the picture he entered vs one of mine.

I did call him out (nice way) but he hasn't acknowledged what did or how it hurt me. He truly doesn't care. So now I don't know what to do with him - like is this someone I want to be around - I can't settle out of loneliness or lack of friends for hurtful friendships.

I will keep pushing through my anxiety and get out there and get what pictures I can

The social media thing gets me I feel like lack of friends and I have hardly any left nor any family to share in special moments. Depresses me. Like my life isn't as good as others. I know people that have 900 friends don't know each and everyone of them but still gets me. Like few months ago FB did that time line video of when you joined - most people got video's I got a thank you card LOL I didn't have enough moments to share....smh

My husband got that same thank-you card instead of a video. That's not any indication of anything. I'm on Facebook half the day. He's on it for a few minutes before he goes to bed, only to catch up with what other people posted, not to post anything himself. If asked, he would say he has a job and obligations, and not a lot of time to spend on social media. I have more Facebook friends than he does, but that doesn't mean that people like me better than him. It only means I have time on my hands.

[volatile]

I'm sorry your friend did that. I had "friends" like that and I stopped talking to most of them. I felt a bit lonely at first but I found other friends and got closer with my healthier friends, it was a turning of a leaf.
Your friend sounds very competitive and probably just wants as little competition as possible. Photography is very competitive to begin with and he sounds pretty cut throat. He's still a douche though i'm not making an excuse for him. If you want to stay his friend just don't expect much. I wouldn't share things with him about any future competitions or anything. View him AS competition.

[anxiety247]

By me writing him and saying what was on my mind I released the anger I had. Makes no sense to hold on to anger it does more damage!!! The part I struggle on is and I know only I can answer this is if I want to hang onto the friendship. I don't want what I enjoy and has motivated me to turn into a competition takes away from the fun.

Anyways here is a link to my pics in and around the Cleveland area (not all my pics you are limited to 20 uploads a week lol)

500px / Nadine Sforza

[doglover123456]

I am so sorry to hear your ''friend'' did this to you. I too have lots of different anxiety forms and took a test on here today saying I have ADHD... One thing I had to learn is either get off fb because it can start ruling your life about who said what or did what .. lots of those are fake to look ''good'' and don't let some stupid social media platform let you measure up to anybody. A few good friends or even one is good enough for me.. I have lost many friend to betrayal and have hard time trusting.. and know you are loved... Jesus loves unconditionally and you never have a feeling to measure up anymore when you keep taking it up with him.

[arachnophobia.kid]

Awesome photos yo! My favorites are the black and white edits, especially the one of the graveyard and the other one of the person on the bridge.

I actually said "Wow" out loud when I looked at your photos. You have a great talent. Maybe your friend feels threatened?

[doglover123456]

Originally Posted by anxiety247

By me writing him and saying what was on my mind I released the anger I had. Makes no sense to hold on to anger it does more damage!!! The part I struggle on is and I know only I can answer this is if I want to hang onto the friendship. I don't want what I enjoy and has motivated me to turn into a competition takes away from the fun.

Anyways here is a link to my pics in and around the Cleveland area (not all my pics you are limited to 20 uploads a week lol)

500px / Nadine Sforza

Hi there it sounds like you are doing better.. that's a great idea.. to write your feelings out in a form of a letter.. hoping all is well!

[roads]

I don't like FB much for people like us. It takes the shape of a human activity, but there's not a lot of real human connection to be found.

You could start with a gallery here in the creative corner like Kaliope has done with her painting. After that, maybe a google blog for your ever-improving photography.

I love the idea of your showing it. I enjoy people's snapshots and serious studies. I've posted a bunch on my page.

roads