Everyone’s your friend…

Why does everyone think they’re your friend on Facebook…even if they don’t know you? I’ve wondered how long it would take and it finally happened…I was forced to “friend” a co-worker or risk the consequences at the office. I wouldn’t have minded this if it was say “Brown Dress” who sent the invite but no such luck…it’s a co-worker I don’t really know (or care to know).

I started using Facebook to connect with my existing friends. For the most part, it was a success as I learned more about people I already knew and was able to share a bit more of my life with them. That’s the value of Facebook and it gave me the opportunity to share my life in ways I couldn’t in the past. Now that’s over and I’m pissed!

My Facebook profile used to contain a link to the blog but it’s gone now because of a single person. The co-worker isn’t a bad person (I really don’t know her at all) but I can’t “be myself” any longer because now I have to worry about something getting back to other people in the office. What if I decide to post my current status as “Looking for action” or post a picture of myself with some of the girls I meet (Yes, I actually do meet girls...some I don't even have to pay). It would set a world record in terms of office gossip and would end my so-called career at XYZ Corporation. Who knows…I may get lucky and nothing would happen (reference the infamous incident involving Frat Boy and 'The Captain') but wouldn’t place any bets on that outcome.

I knew it was a matter of time because everyone in my office is on Facebook…even Sr. Management. I’m constantly amazed at how many subordinates invite their manager to be “friends”. Maybe they think it insulates them from ever having to hear bad news because they’re Facebook friends? No such luck as the lay-offs continue whether your FB friends or not! Or maybe it’s because these people are so freaking boring they don’t care if their manager has details of their personal life? My life is NOT boring and my executive would surely cringe if he read about my exploits/opinions/blog.

I’m not ranting…just disappointed that something working so well could be ruined by one person. Now my FB profile is relegated to just being a place to learn more about my friends while I post nothing about myself. Maybe I should wait a few weeks and then “unfriend” the new addition? Doubtful she will ever look at my profile after the initial viewing so she’d never know. The fact I have to think this much about the situation is just sad.

Maybe it’s time to sign off Facebook? Will I miss out on important info like Becker buying an Odyssey minivan this past weekend? Or cool pics of my co-worker who has a beer can in her hand for every single photo? Or the update from the woman who is so far out of my league that I’m surprised she even speaks to me? Probably...but think I'll be OK just the same.