lauren farmer

An honest post. 

I’ve been dealing with something of an internet bully for a while now. Someone who is terribly bitter and angry, who must find some refuge or fleeting satisfaction in the tearing down of others. 

I see it for what it is. I’m a 29 year old woman with perspective, with much more life experience than the one who is causing me this nuisance. But still, I’ve let it bother me. I’ve allowed it to dampen my mood, to ruin a few days. And for that, I’m disappointed in myself. 

When it’s someone else, when it’s not you it’s easy to say, “Just turn a blind eye, don’t give them the power.” Such sage advice, which I mysef have given. But when it’s you, when you read things about yourself which aren’t true, which are uncalled for, it’s well…fucking annoying. 

But what I refuse to do is give them the satisfaction of a response, of a reaction of any kind. (Let’s not call this post a reaction…) Which for me and for this situation, is the appropriate way to tackle it. As tough as that is, as much as I’d like to write a scathing email or partake in a public confrontation, I won’t. Because I’m a grown up and I can handle this, because I know that my value is in more than some petty assumptions and accusations. 

I guess this post is to say…well fuck it. It happens. Some people suck. Most don’t. 

Unfortunately a lot of people are dealing with this on scales MUCH more significant than mine. And that really blows. I am so sorry. 

I want to help, we all need to help. I wish I had some sort of answer, solution. But does anyone? I guess we all just do what we can. Even if it’s not stepping in but just lending an ear. I’m good at that, and I need to do more of it. 

What I’m saying is…fuck the bullies and be a friend, and as my Nana says, “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” 

And with that, Merry Christmas Eve! I’m off to decorate my balcony for a family BBQ and make a jug of mojitos. :)