I am, by and large, an open book. If you ask a question, you’ll get an answer – and, sometimes, you might not like what you hear. (There’s your warning.) But, when I found out I needed minor surgery, I faced our modern quandary . . . to post or not to post.
On the one hand, sharing en masse simplifies the notification process – there are no individual texts and phone calls to go out. There’s an outpouring of support, prayers and love. There’s no shortage of commiseration. And, because I’m southern, there’s a smattering of “out-suffering.”
On the other hand, it felt a little gratuitous and dirty. I mean, does everyone really want to be that much in my business? Am I going to post pictures of the mass? Go live during the surgery? Post updates on stitches and bandage changes? Ewwwww!
How much is too much to share?
Who hasn’t chortled at the 16th relationship status change this month? Who doesn’t roll their eyes over the call, “I’ve had too much coffee this morning – need prayer warriors!”
Why do we feel so compelled to put everything out there?
Is social media posting the new “If a bear shits in the woods . . .”?
If I don’t post about my date last night, did I really have a good time?
If I don’t share my spa day, did I really relax?
If I don’t insta my breakfast, lunch and dinner, did I really eat?
Yes, it’s fun to share and I share a lot! If you’re on my feed, you know this. But, I’m asking the question of myself and the rest of you – where do we draw the line?
For me, I decided that my surgery didn’t serve a significant platform and that I would tend to myself with the support of family and close friends. To have surgery sans social.
This isn’t to diminish or belittle the work some people are doing by sharing their struggles and fights publicly. They are quite brave to share their daunting journeys, but they’re serving a cause and awareness greater than their situation. The only value I could add to the world by sharing my situation was . . . *crickets*
I want to hear from you on this topic. Leave a comment below about how you decide what to share on social and what you choose to keep to yourself.
PS: Yes, I’m 100% fine.
PPS: No, I didn’t get boobs.
The Write Girl 
Since you answered the boob question I guess the next question is: Will this surgery result in you changing your name from Brandy to Brandon? 😀
No – I’m definitely a full-time girl!
Such a good post. I honestly face this struggle too and not that it’s such a struggle like I am missing a meal struggle but I pull in at times. It’s easy to feel over exposed in a world where people share too much. I say stick with the golden rule. If it feels right do it. If it doesn’t don’t. You owe nothing to everyone. On the topic of sharing to help those in need or through a situation, that is totally up to you, the writer or “poster”, and if the audience is there. Oh and from one southerner to another, Bless your heart sweetie. I hope you are doing well!
Overexposed – I like that. I’ve had several encounters with people who know so much about me from social that they make comments about things I haven’t shared with them personally and it freaks me out! LOL.
HAHAHA – I’m alright, darlin’! No worries a’tall! XOXO
Okay, now that I’ve finished laughing at the PS and the PPS, I will comment! We all struggle with this topic and with how much we should or should not share on social. Having recently went through a not-so-minor surgery, I tried to err on the side of less is more, other than my humorous posts about various things before and after the surgery. I also heard from plenty of people that said: “You should have warned me before posting a photo of the incision!” Really? How would that have worked?! 🤔 I don’t think there is a correct answer to this; like telling friends or even family about a procedure, it’s a personal choice. We have to decide what or how much we want to share publicly; even open books can be discreet! Great post, Brandy!!
Thanks John! I know we both try to add levity to our posts – even when they’re more serious in nature. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to know how much is too much. But, in truth, this is a good problem to have b/c it shows just how comfortable our lives are. So, for this, I am truly grateful.
Wait…. was there’s really a date??? 😗😗😗Cause I want those dets. And, I’m glad you are okay 💗