By Krissy J., HerTopic.com

So, I’ve been jotting down ideas for a few days about social media; the good, the bad, and the ugly.   As a social media junkie it should be no surprise that I have a Facebook page, Twitter account, of course a blog (duh), as well as a few other interactive sources that I am subscribed to.

Each resource allows me to keep in contact with my friends and family, both near and far.  It also allows me to meet great new people.  I honestly can thank social networks for the help it provides with attracting readers to my blog.  All I have to do is share the link, and BAM! people read HerTopic.com….sweet deal.

HOWEVER!!!

There are a couple of things that I need to rant on.  For the sake of the length of this article, I will talk about one issue I find prevalent to myself, my followers, and friends.  It’s inhumane to say you have never done it, or even biased to think that you never will, however, there is one thing that I despise on social media.  This is…the art of “subliminal messages.”

Yes, I do phrase it as an “art,” because just as a poet, the composer of a subliminal message gathers metaphorical language to properly evoke a feeling or grab the attention of their readers.  It is also an art form because it allows the person that creates such messages to live within a facade like world.  To the composer, they are simply “keeping it real.”

My advice to you: STOP IT!

I know, it might not be easy to stop or break from the addiction of creating subliminal messages.  Nevertheless, simply reaching out to the source is much better than throwing words into the cyber world, hoping that maybe…just maybe, the individual you are taunting at may understand you are talking about them.

Now, listen up…it’s going to take some work.  I gained help through my undergrad level leadership courses.  One of the books I read in my leadership class was entitled “Crucial Confrontations,” written by a bunch of leadership enthusiast educating on conflict resolution skills.  I recommend the read.  I also HIGHLY recommend talking directly to the person you are aiming at.  Maybe, they just don’t know that they having behavioral issues.

Trust me; it’s probably easier to just approach an individual than to risk ending a great relationship.  Some people I know have even lost their jobs for subliminally making “low blows” at their fellow employees or constituents.

So I challenge you all, from this point on, let’s make it a habit to not use subliminal messaging on social media.  “Honesty is the best policy!”  Let’s also make it a habit to constructively drop the mundane behavior.  Aim to become a bolder and more truthful you.  Handle your troubles in a way that will mend relationships; not break them.

As always, thank you for reading.

Ciao!