Vaguebooking

 

According to the Urban Dictionary Vaguebooking is an intentionally vague Facebook status update, that prompts friends to ask what's going on, or is possibly a cry for help. I had no idea this word even existed, but must admit it's perfect to describe a specific syndrome! Some examples:

You really hurt my feelings.

I'm really mad.

He'll never do that to me again.

Not again.

Pray for me.

I can't take this anymore.

All of these comments could be referencing trivial things or really serious matters. We don't know if you're mad because your roommate ate the last bag of popcorn or if your wallet was stolen. Not again - I'm thinking that's the dog scratching to be taken out. Hopefully it's not your spouse coming home drunk ready to pick a fight. I can't take this anymore could be a reference to the weather or a serious cry for help, but we'll never know if you don't fill in the details. Pray for me sounds like something that has a potentially very serious outcome, like being tested for cancer. All I can say is it better be serious or you'll be praying your friends forgive you for taking advantage of their kind hearts.

If you have something you really need to share, then share it. All of it. Anything less looks like a fishing expedition for attention. The issue just gets magnified if the poster responds to well-intentioned inquiries as to what is going on with: "I can't say anything about it right now."  Here's some simple advice: if you can't say anything about it right now, then don't say anything about it right now.

It can be really cruel to leave your friends in the uncomfortable position of knowing something is bothering you and then not providing them enough information so they know how important the matter really is. Do it to them enough times and you just might find you don't have that many friends anymore.

When I encounter a vaguebook post I tend to try to read between the lines as to it's hidden message. I can come up with some pretty interesting scenarios with the vivid imagination I have. Usually after I've worried about whether I should call the person or call 911, I just call it a day and turn off my computer. My rationale: if they were really in trouble - they'd be on the phone with somebody and not on Facebook! 

Have a topic you'd like to see discussed on Simply Squirrel Food? Send me an email I'd love to hear from you.