When we had news to share, we used to think in terms of "shouting it from the roof tops". Then along came Facebook and the ability to tell everyone we know (or have "friended") with the push of a button.
The problem is, there are people in our lives that should be notified in a more personal manner, and whatever the news may be, failure to do so may cause hurt, angry and upset feelings that can be long lasting. So what is a more positive way to handle announcements?
1. Send an email or make a telephone call to close friends and family before making a public announcement. Some information, such as a pregnancy, divorce or death, has shock value, and finding out along with "everyone" diminishes the value of the friendship or relationship.
2. Think carefully about the wording of your posting. Remember that what is put out on the internet stays there, and even if you hit delete, someone has seen it.
3. Do you want responses to your posting? People are always willing to offer an opinion, and friend or not, sometimes those opinions can be intrusive or less than kind. Include information in your posting as to how you wish to be contacted, i.e. private message, email, phone call, text, or not at all.
4. If you suspect or know that you will be making an announcement in the near future, try to avoid the "mystery lead up" postings ... things like "Such a lousy day; I'm so tired of this!" People aren't dumb and will start to figure things out. It's also the way rumor, gossip and hurt feelings can get started.
Negativity gets you nowhere.
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