*use a mediator

Her four kids are grown and married. She and her husband just sold a half a million house 6 months ago and are living in an apt. looking for a small house or condo to buy. Not sure what other assets(or debts)they have.

Funny you posted this because I was thinking last night how addicted I am to my smartphone and obsessively checking for texts and new FB updates. I love Facebook and would not give it up because i like the connection, but I need to break my reliance on it. It feels unhealthy. I plan to leave my phone elsewhere when I go for walks, put it in the backseat when driving (so I'm not tempted to look at stoplights), and just turn it off sometimes. When I feel lonely at home though, I feel it's a connection to the outside world too. But honestly, I need to force myself to engage more in person, or with real voices vs. just words on a screen.

A little is ok, but it can get to be too much. And also agree that if you are sad, other people's happy posts can be depressing.

I am on it but rarely post much.

My mother on the other hand can`t get started with her day unti she checked to see what her `friends`have done

I actually had an argument with her the other day, she can downstairs didn`t say hello to myself or grand-kids just logged into Facebook.

So I asked her who had done what, and then when she said so and so got a cat. I questioned, who exactly is so and so. How do you know then, whens the last time you talked or met, or ran into them.

I was kind of harsh but pointed out that many of her `friends`she couldn`t name their husbands, or even where they lived

She is totally addicted to it, and is using it to escape her life

She is needy and somehow thinks this is what she needs

I told her most of the people were not her friends, and that she actually needs to get out and do something.

I think its a great tool, and is great to stay in touch. Just take a step back and make sure you have friends in your real life too

FB is the only way I hear about what's up with the nieces and nephews on my wasband's side of the family, also how I keep in touch with my cousins and younger family members.
Here, DS, is where I get my psychological support so I check every day I'm at work. I don't have a computer outside of work, so it's breaks, lunches or after work that I have access. That limits my time, probably a good thing.
I know if I don't set a time to turn off the TV at home on the weekends, I could watch all afternoon some days, so maybe setting time limits is a good start. If that doesn't do it, seek some help. There's too much to do in this world to waste it all on electronics and long range, somewhat anonymous, connections. Don't get me wrong, I get a lot of help here, but I also know it's not the where I'm called to live my life.
Like all things, these websites can be great tools, entertainment and ways to keep informed, but too much isn't good for anyone. Good luck finding balance in your life.

I am on FB. I am there periodically throughout the day. I like to keep up with friends and things they are doing. I think it is more addictive to us that were here on dailystrength because we got such strength from each other. I see FB that way sometimes for myself.

I think if it is all you do, you might need to cut back, but if it helps you and gives you support and not stifling your existence, than you might want to find something else that brings you enjoyment like reading, watching tv, walking, meditating, going out to dinner with a friend, etc.

Good luck

I'm with KRK on the lawyer thing. That guy has been planning his getaway and has his ducks lined up! Be a good friend and tell her to get a lawyer asap and check every bank account and asset for activity.

I would not trust a man who would act this deplorably to end a long marriage. He has someone else and has plans is my guess. SHE NEEDS A PLAN!

Geez, it's so depressing every time I read a new story of a breakup like your friends. What is the matter with us as human beings when we treat each other so deplorably? broken people, broken hearts

I am on facebook, maybe for a few minutes. Find it really boring at times. I play games at times too. I am not even on DS as much anymore. Love going out for walks or reading. I found that I was on too much too, so I cut back.

I'm on facebook also, I enjoy keeping in touch with family and friends on it. Sometimes it gets a little depressing seeing all the pictures of people with their families on vacation and enjoying the holidays. I very seldom comment or post anything, unless it's pictures of the grandaughters.