Like Bec, I’ve had a very interesting time watching the reactions to our shiny new relationship. It’s been quite nice that nobody has thrown me up against a wall and threatened to kill me if I don’t stay away from her, so that’s always a win. Some people were already pretty clued in, some people had no idea. But one of the most interesting things has been the fact that lots of the people I know are pretty amazed at how “out-there” I’m willing to put this thing, out on the Internet for anyone to see. (ie. this post)
I can understand the thought process. “You really want to let anyone who reads the blog to know what’s going on in your life?”. Well, that depends how you look at it. In terms of people that read the blog, they fall into three categories:
- People I know well. Some of these people knew already (either through being good little spies, or because one of us told them) before either of us posted on it. There are obviously some people who should know stuff that’s going on in your life before they read it on the blog. (Particularly when it seems like everyone in both families is currently reading both blogs :P)
- People I know a little bit. To tell you the truth, having people that I know find out on the blog saves a whole lot of the uncomfortable-ness around people not being sure if it’s on or not, and not sure whether or not if they ask I’ll be offended. This way word gets out quickly and painlessly. That’s a win.
- People I don’t know personally, but who read the blog. This is a pretty small group, and it’s going to be pretty difficult to relate any attempts at insight back to my own personal life if I can’t have these people know that I’ve got a girlfriend. Plus half of the people in this group will visit once, read one post, then leave. Nothing to be afraid of.
Now maybe I’m just being a little naive about what could possibly happen, but it seems to me that there’s not really that much risk. So what if people know that I’m going out with a beautiful, intelligent girl (who contrary to other nasty rumours - makes magnificent brownies!)? So what if people know that I sometimes cry in movies. The funniest thing about letting information like that out over the blog is that the hardest part in any of that seems to me to be not people knowing what’s going on, but actually telling someone what’s going on. Letting personal stuff out on the blog takes away the hardest part.
But let me know why I’m being naive. Why would you recommend me ease off on the personal details? Who should I be worried about reading this stuff? I’m intrigued. (These questions aren’t rhetorical)
12 Responses
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I think you should blog your heart out …
I enjoy your blog, and realy like how you open up. For me there are some things to be open about others to hold tight to. I think God gives you the timing when to open up and to whom.
I think you have got the balance pretty sorted! It is refreshing to read your honest reflections. I agree with Scott in that some things are best reserved for close friends/mentors etc, and some things are plain not suited for the internet in any form - eg as a process for sorting out personal conflicts… but I think that God can use the things you blog about and the way you work through them.
I agree with Christina there are some things that are not suited to blogging and that seems to me to be where it involves other people when their privacy might be invaded. I love your honesty and I think it has helped your self confidence to be able to be open and get feedback about your thoughts.
It’s new, it’s fresh, it’s fun… and face it… you want to tell the world! Why wouldn’t you?
Don’t worry i will not spread this news around Lithuania :)… ha ha
Personally I don’t see why you should NOT be writing about personal things that make you happy … or sad… or about having a girlfriend. Often people seem to be very caution about letting
ha… i pressed the ’submit comment’ button too early…
anyway, as i said before i enjoy reading your blog, and i think what makes it even more enjoyable is the fact that
oh nooo…. made a mess again!
i will repeat:
as i said before i enjoy reading your blog, and i think what makes it even more enjoyable is the fact that it reflects not only what you think, but how you feel about the things you write, too. i don’t think that your intention was to create an impersonal blog. your audience is your friends, your family and …. and few Lithu-aliens like me, perhaps?
give my regards to Bec
Well thanks for the encouragement Asta - and others, even if that didn’t quite answer the question of what it is that I should have to be worried about. I don’t think I’m likely to change too much, although you certainly won’t hear the detailed reports of the ups and downs in the relationship that some might like (coughRhondacough).
And I’ll certainly say hi to Bec for you Asta. Always nice to hear from you
which means - there’s nothing to worry about!
I can testify to the fact that he certainly did pass along the message. Hi Asta!
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