Tone

I admit it. I love the internet age of instant communication. I love being able to "talk" to several friends at once in every medium from text messaging, to email, to Facebook, and Facebook messenger. 

Writing what I am going to "say" makes me really LOOK at what I am saying (at least most of the time!) How can I use my words to convey my message as I actually mean it, without the recipient being able to read non-verbal cues, or hear my tone of voice?  

Unless the person with whom I am speaking is a really good (in real life) friend, those words are best chosen carefully. It is easy to come across in type as judgmental, disapproving, or too "preachy." If the reader "feels" these in the "tone" of the message, hurt feelings, sadness, and anger can be a result. I have inadvertently hurt feelings on Facebook, because I rely a lot on body language, tone, and facial expression, and those can't be "seen" in the written word. Especially the typed word. 

There are some things that just need to wait for a face to face meeting. If the plan is to have a serious confrontation about a serious topic, maybe it needs to wait. I have seen friendships dissolve on Facebook that might have endured had the conversations taken place in person. 

Take that extra second to read what you have typed BEFORE you hit "post" or "send." 

You might be glad you did.