Unpopular Opinion
Don't let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent and kick them out.
Everybody is entitled to their opinion and when it comes to social media with the sharing of opinion and perspective there are two sides to the coin. There is what you share to the public and then there is the response which they give you in return. When you share an opinion or experience by way of your posts – you are reaching and engaging with a lot of people simultaneously. It is highly unlikely that everybody is going to agree with what you have said – including occasions when the information is actually factual.
Nine times out of ten, you will find that the majority of people will respond positively and will give feedback that is related, sensible and in line with what you have put forward… However, there are ALWAYS going to be those that will judge you, comment purely to try and get a negative rise out of you and those that just don’t get your message at all.
If you have made a decision to share something that is of value to you. which you are hoping will hold value to those who read it, then be prepared to stand firm in that approach. If you are going to share your words with thousands of people from all over the globe, then you need to be prepared to act maturely as far as the responses go.
Yes, you are entitled to share what you want and voice your opinion and perspective – and yes, the public are allowed to respond in whichever way they choose. There is also absolutely nothing wrong with engaging with the people behind both the positive and negative remarks but the key is not to get embroiled in whatever negative feedback comes your way. In other words – do not let it affect you to a degree that you become equally negative. It is an absolute waste of your time and energy!
“Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
People who approach you with such levels of immaturity, bitterness or plain ugliness are unlikely to be responsive to anything you say– you will more often than not, just end up in a ping pong match that leaves you feeling utterly frustrated and emotionally depleted!
It can be difficult to just walk away from encounters like this, but it is normally the wisest decision to make. If you believe firmly in what it is that you have shared with the rest of the world, you can be open to the opinion of others, whether you agree with them or not, without feeling the need to repeatedly justify it to them or to get into an endless bun fight about it.
Now don’t get me wrong – I am not saying that you should be disregarding all responses that you don’t agree with or perhaps don’t understand. No, that kind of exchange and/or debate is very healthy and you will most likely walk away having learned something. What I AM saying is, you can be receptive to constructive criticism but don’t allow people to bully you with their negativity to a point where you lose faith in what you stand for and lose the plot emotionally.
Don't let the noise of others drown out your own inner voice. - Steve Jobs
Personally, when I am confronted with those that are clearly just out to get ugly I will offer them one level headed response and if they respond with further aggression or anything else unwarranted, I simply walk away. My energy is far better channeled into something else constructive.
When the comments are really hurtful – walk away! When the comments make you angry – walk away! When the comments are slandering or abusive – walk away! When the comments are mocking and belittling – walk away! Bear this in mind the next time you have to deal with individuals who have nothing positive or constructive to say on your posts or anywhere else on social media for that matter.
Don't ever let a minority of naysayers or trolls dull your spirit or diminish your enthusiasm. Ignore them - smile and wave -carry on sharing and living your truth! The passion behind those who are positive, confident and comfortable in their thoughts is enough to drown out the rest.
“How would your life be different if…You stopped allowing other people to dilute or poison your day with their words or opinions? Let today be the day…You stand strong in the truth of your beauty and journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others” ― Steve Maraboli
❤❤❤
Until next time...
Much Love from Country Bumpkinland, South Africa xxx
Jaynielea
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All this always depends on the intention with which you write and publish something: as long as your writing still serves an end in itself, as long as you write for yourself, you don't really care about the echo. It only becomes problematic the moment you want to please others. Then it can be difficult to deal with negative feedback: Target missed...
There is much truth in that, though I don't fully agree with the perspective that the "echo" does not affect us if we are writing for ourselves. We may choose to ignore it, but that does not necessarily mean it does not cause any internal ripples - which could arise for a multitude of reasons which stem from our own personal issues.
But I do know what you are saying :)
My morning start with this positive words
Thank you for the feedback @mubashara, I am glad they made a good start to your day :)