A recent family dispute highlights the complexities of social media sharing in personal relationships. A mother, referred to as “Deleted Post,” faced backlash after posting a photo announcing her son’s wedding, prompting him to request its removal. The couple, who had been together for 24 years, chose a civil ceremony to facilitate health insurance benefits, but their desire for privacy clashed with the mother’s excitement to share the news.
Understanding Boundaries in Family and Social Media
According to the mother, her son approached her and her spouse expressing that they were “not into social media.” However, the phrasing did not clarify whether that meant they were opposed to any posts about their wedding. After sharing a single photo with friends, she received a text late that night asking her to delete it. The message stated, “We asked you directly not to do this.”
The mother expressed confusion over the request, as she interpreted the initial conversation differently. “I feel bad because my son seems to feel he can forbid me from sharing this news with my friends,” she wrote. Many of her friends, she noted, have known her son for decades, making the news feel significant to her social circle.
This incident raises questions about the expectations families have regarding privacy on social platforms. The mother’s intent was to celebrate a joyous occasion, while her son appeared to want to maintain a lower profile regarding their wedding. “Should I have interpreted ‘we’re not into social media’ differently?” she pondered.
Navigating Family Dynamics and Traditions
In a separate inquiry, the same mother expressed feelings of resentment towards her daughter-in-law’s Friendsgiving dinner, an event hosted prior to Thanksgiving. With both families merging traditions, she felt that her own Thanksgiving celebrations had lost their uniqueness, as they were now shared with a second meal just weeks apart.
The daughter-in-law, who initiated Friendsgiving to create a gathering that she lacked during her own upbringing, extends invitations to her family and friends. While the mother acknowledges that she is welcome to join, she struggles to embrace this new tradition. “I waited my turn growing up and having a family, and now I have my own grandchildren,” she said, reflecting on her desire to host Thanksgiving as a significant family event.
Adapting to changing family dynamics can be challenging. Both events, though similar in menu, serve distinct purposes. The mother is encouraged to view her daughter-in-law’s efforts as a way to foster community and connection rather than a threat to her own traditions.
Ultimately, both the wedding photo incident and the Thanksgiving dilemma underscore the importance of communication and understanding within families. It is crucial to navigate these sensitive topics with empathy to foster stronger relationships, especially as family traditions evolve over time.
Readers experiencing similar challenges can send their questions to R. Eric Thomas at [email protected] or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and subscribe to his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com for more insights.
