First of all, I don’t love the word haters. It’s gotten so overused by obnoxious-ass people who actually suck at life but think everyone is just jealous of them.
Am I right?
But sometimes it really is the best word to use, especially when people are actually using hateful language.
When I first started blogging, I was (a little) more sensitive, but at this point, I’ve had so many mean things said to me that I’m no longer fazed, and honestly, I expect and embrace the criticism (does that make me a masochist or something?). I don’t read all the comments on my stuff, but sometimes I do like to check them out and when I do, I always stumble upon a slew of gems from some real classy folks. Call me bitter, jealous, ugly, annoying, unfunny (although that one still stings a teensy bit), stupid, fat, a bitch, or a c*unt, and I will gladly “like” your comment or retweet you. Sometimes…I’ll even respond.
Here’s how I’ve been handling the backlash of the engagement article making the Internet rounds (again) this past week:
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And here’s the mother of them all because she said I’m not funny or pretty, hate blacks and gays, am lazy and have no friends. Get it, girl!
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Oh, and here’s one that just surfaced as a result of my baby post, where I said it was disheartening to see sick babies hooked up to a bunch of tubes and wires in the hospital and don’t understand why moms post those photos on Facebook instead of texting/emailing to friends and family. (I removed her photo for obvious reasons.)
So keep ’em coming, critics (hey, now there’s an alternative word for haters!). And I don’t share these posts to be “self-important” as our sweet friend Jessica stated above, but for other bloggers, media folks, and ANYONE putting things out there that could rile up the Internet trolls. Don’t let it get to you. These people don’t know you–they’re hiding behind their computers with nothing better to do than criticize others. I say “like” their posts, give ’em an RT or “Thanks for reading!” or don’t even acknowledge. We have more important things to worry about.
LYLAS,
Ashley
*Image of Tuna from Instagram @TunaMeltsMyHeart