I think I'm having a mid-life crisis.
You know. One of those moments when you ask yourself, "What have I done with my life?"
I joined Facebook a few months ago. Most of you are pretty internet-savvy so I think you probably know what it is. If you don't, it's a site where you can socialize with current and past friends.
I was hesitant to join because well, let's face it. If I wanted to keep in touch with random people from my past, I would have.
But, a close friend that I lost contact with was looking for me and I decided to join so we could exchange information and get back in touch.
I won't say that it's been all that bad except in the process of "catching up" with people, you get to learn all about their accomplishments and what they've been doing.
Friend #1 - I've known her since 3rd grade. She is a published author and worked for both US News & World Report and The Washington Post as a reporter. She has 2 girls.
Friend #2 - I've known her since 6th grade. She is an OB/GYN and gets to bring new lives into the world every day. She has 2 sons.
... and the kicker...
Friend #3 - I've known him since middle school. He created a clothing line for infants with his wife which was sold in department stores such as Macy's. They became millionaires, he founded 2 philanthropic organizations, hobnobs with celebrities like Paris Hilton and will have a TV show coming out that is based on his volunteering efforts.
Oh yeah. I almost forgot. He also has FIVE kids.
He wants to know what I've been up to. How in the hell am I supposed to compete with THAT?
Well, let's see. I have an average-paying job as a manager with a major insurance carrier, I live 30 minutes from where I grew up in an average-looking townhouse. I don't have kids and try to hold on to any thread of hope that I can muster. I hobnob with my husband and friends that I met on the internet and I watch TV shows about him.
How's that?
Now I remember why I didn't want to go to my 20-year high school reunion this past summer.
3 comments:
The sad thing is that friend #3 maybe having a midlife crisis too. And you honestly may be happier than all of them!
I liked Facebook for a while - it was kind of cool to "talk" to people I had lost contact with. After a while, though, I just started seeing too many baby announcements and I couldn't take it anymore. I got rid of my account. Oh well. Maybe I'll reactivate it when I can handle it better. :)
Suzanne,...
*Huge Hug*
In reality, I think we all go through some form of quarter-life, mid-life etc. crisis.
I also believe the old adage to be true... the grass generally tends to look greener on the other side.
Based on what you've posted regarding your friends and yourself, I can almost guarantee at some point they have read your bio and envied the life you live.
It's always easy to think that others live a charmed and fairytale life when compared to ours. I bet you, the reality is much different! We also tend to minimize our own accomplishments when comparing ourselves with others.
I agree with commenter s.e. totally.
You yourself are a published author on the internet, with devoted readers coming by everyday to specifically look for articles written by you.
In full disclosure, I have never been on Facebook. Don't think I even know what the page looks like--quite deliberate on my part.
Side note:
perhaps i'm just too old, but I've never considered ms. hilton a celebrity. Why anyone would want to hang with her escapes me :o(
In other news:
Happy New Year!
Hope this marks the beginning of the next great chapter of your life.
Anna
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