Yup. I'm on it because it's pretty much the only way my extended family communicates.

I get this. And sometimes I have to just shake my head, because I know the true story behind the blinding smiles. And another thing - why the FB "I luv you" thing from husband to wife, or vice versa? Can't you just give each other a freaking card and not let the freaking world in on it? What's up with that? Gah. (Happy V-day, K, btw!) Hugs, Marsha

I get it! I loved Facebook for keeping in touch with family and friends. However, I did not go on it over the holidays and am staying away from it today!! It is not my most favorite site to go to anymore. That is why I am so thankful for you all here on DS!!!

I'm also 4 1/2 years into this journey. I go on FB to keep up with my grands (and friends).

I'm just skimming over the I love you stuff. Thinking I will block it out. But ya know? I'm sitting here feeling sorry for myself all the same.
Thought I could just pretend Valentine's is another day. Guess not.
Hugs

I do not like facebook either. Discovered that most of my 'friends' who were stil working were hoping to sell me something. So I discontinued my facebook account (they wouldn't let me delete it).

I ADORE FB! Have had better communications with friends and family and it is definitely the way most people I know keep in touch now.

If certain people make me want to barf bragging about themselves I just don't follow them

I use it just to keep busy and check on friends. Otherwise I think it causes way to many problems. People don't use it like its should be, they want to slam people and cause trouble.
I don't like all the love stuff either. I sure do wish I could brag!

I still like FB. Since my family is in the UK and I'm in the USA it's an easy way to stay in touch. I've also used it to reach out to friends and let them know how I'm feeling. Sometimes it's easier that way. It was harder over the holidays and today but like Wendy I just skip through that stuff or stop following it. Today has been harder than I thought it would be. I guess choosing NOT to celebrate when your spouse is still alive is an entirely different thing after all. :( Hugs to you, Liz.

A lot of times it could be called FakeBook. It's kind of funny when you know the real story behind some of those facades. Yes I still check it to keep up with family mainly, but skim right over most of the other stuff.

It has it's place. Just use it as you chose.

I love Facebook...since I will be leaving my job soon Iam able to add a lot of people that I would not normally...I have friends on there from high school...lots of my husbands motorcycle buddies too..its a good way to stay connected ...and you never know when u need advice or can give..iI think there are ways to block people or stop there stuff from showing up that disturbs you..

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I love keeping up with extended family, especially my nieces and nephews travels... But I hate seeing the nastiness and fakery that sometimes comes up. Its
kinda like year-round Christmas letters..."aren't we wonderful? Aren't our lives wonderful? Aren't you jealous of it?"
But then there's the moments I pour my heart out and get amazing support from the people who love me, and it's all ok. Y'know?
I have had to avoid some of the Valentine's Day crap, but, hey, I've had to try and avoid it in the real world too.

I like to be able to keep in touch with my friends from overseas but I try to remember that it's all just a facade. Even I'll post smiling photos of my kids or myself on a holiday but behind the smile is a broken heart. 3 years in and it's still so hard.

About those happy, smiling couples..... Years ago I was in a terrible, unhappy relationship. We were out with another couple and they were so lovey ~ dovey, kissing, hugging, big happy smiles. I am not a jealous person, but I was jealous then. That was what I wanted (and later, found with Dan). A week later that couple separated and had the nastiest, most contentious divorce I have ever seen. So things are definitely not always what they seem.

And Facebook has an unfollow feature. You don't have to unfriend them and you don't have to see their annoying posts.

To unfollow someone just look at a post from them on your wall. In the upper right hand corner you will see a V. Click on that and it will give you the options "I don't want to see this" or "Unfollow Jane Doe". Click unfollow and it will ask if you are sure you no longer want to see posts from Jane. Click "Yes" and you won't see things from them unless you go to their Facebook page.

I have not been tempted to use facebook. I have friends who have been hurt badly by facebook. I hear about my husbands family fighting on facebook. What reason would I have to get involved in that? I know many people like facebook but I won't even give it a chance.