2. Sex. A lot of you don’t like it. All I am going to say about this one is that there were quite a few recommendations on what to try tucked away in those comments 😉 Good luck.
3. Racism/Prejudices. It still exists. Here is my deal with some of the comments that were left…the use of the words “all/any”. It does not matter if it was in regards to whites, blacks, Asians, atheists, Christians, republicans, democrats….saying something like “I hate ALL ______” is ignorant and absurd (to put it nicely). We are individuals. The quickest way to demoralize any argument you are making, is to use vague and general terms. Just remember when you make such comments you are including innocent babies who know no wrong, the elderly who are alone, and in all cases–somebody who needs love just as much as you do.
In addition to, I especially appreciated those of you who accused me of writing such things.
The only way I know how to respond to that is to a. say “no I didn’t” and b. share with you a song from one of me and my husbands favorite artists. It’s worth a listen.
4. Speaking of amen, quite a few of you are turned off by Christian blogs (or in this case, a Christian who writes a blog). The only thing I know on this subject is that each blog is individually owned and operated. I hope that each of you who write, stay true to who you are. I would rather have 10 followers who read my blog because they genuinely know who I am, than 3,000 followers who have a false impression of who they believe me to be. So who am I? I am a Christian (a selfish, hypocritical, sinning, redeemed by Grace and love the Lord with all of my heart, Christian).
I happen to be drinking a rum and diet as we speak. I am a lover, an optimist, I laugh at immature things, loves to see the best in everything/everybody, a huge complimenter of others, and lover of life. I want to do more good than harm. Oh, I write a blog AND take self portraits occasionally on Instagram. So there you have it. If any of that turns you off so much that you need to hightail it outta here, please feel free. Just do not expect me to change because of it.
5. Along those lines, one thing I did not learn until that secrets post is that blogs inflect physical pain on people. It’s true. It was said that this very blog you are reading has brought people to tears because of how boring it is! Not only that but one person cringes every time they read it. Ouch. I am going to take the liberty of liberating those of you who left those comments right now. You have the power to change it! Yes, YOU have the power to change what you don’t like. No more tears, no more cringing, just stop showing up! There’s some sweet wisdom for your soul today. You’re welcome. On that same note–a word to other bloggers (or people in general really) on negativity: You will always have it. One thing that I have learned is that if I put a lot of mental energy into those negative comments what does that say to all of those who have poured love into me? It doesn’t really say that you value the positive all that much does it? Soak yourself in goodness. You will be much better off, believe me. Oh crap, one last thing. I do not ask that you like me, but I do ask that you respect me. I think every person is worthy of respect, don’t you? Ask for it.
6. The sad comments. The ones that were full of loneliness, hurt, anger, depression, and suicidal thoughts. I have one thing to say on this. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE ANONYMOUS ANY LONGER. Just don’t. Seek help. Tell a friend, a family member, a professional counselor, etc.
You are worth it. This life is not always beautiful but it is worth living. We need you. Please open your mouth (your heart, your mind) and get help. Push pride aside and remember you are not alone.
7. Last but not least, I think a general concensus from people who read//commented was “Why are we only seeing these “real” parts of peoples lives behind closed doors?” “Blogging shouldn’t be all fairytales and rainbows” “We all need to open up more”. Here are my two cents on this one: Yes, we do need to be a little more “real” on our blogs, but within reason. I want my blog to be a positive place for people to land. With that being said though, I want to be vulnerable and open. However, please keep in mind that a lot (and I mean a lot) of those anonymous comments did not involve only the person writing. They affected spouses, family members, friends, signifcant others, etc. It is not our right to share other peoples stories. This is why I believe we don’t see a lot of what comments we read, on blogs. Not many husbands are going to want their wife writing they don’t have a good sex life. Having a good story to post is not worth risking the relationship of those closest to you. So yes, while I believe we shouldn’t make blogging all fairytales and rainbows, I do think we need to respect those closest to us in our writing.
Okay, so there we have it. Congratulations if you made it all the way through. What are your thoughts? Agree//disagree//agree to disagree on any of the above? Feel free to leave it below.
Except this time, anonymous is no longer an option. It was fun while it lasted, but it’s time to resume back to our normal identity.
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career which she now runs alongside the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or in front of a mirror taking mirror selfies, you can find Erin spending time on the water, cuddled up with her two pups and husband most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode, or getting lost in an easy beach read.
