Originally published between 2015 and 2018, this post has been updated but preserves its original publish date as best as possible as content is migrated from the archives of The Flavored Word.

This is the kind of post that might earn a few haters … sort of like the one I did on mommy bloggers, but I can’t help myself. Because as it just so happens, this has been driving me crazy for a very long time … so here goes nothing (who knows, I just might pick up a few more “likes” for my honesty 😉

Yesterday. Valentine’s Day. One of the few holiday’s I thought Facebook would skip. Meaning I didn’t expect to have my feed filled with “friends” thanking their significant others for “being the best spouse, husband, partner, wife anyone could ever ask for” and then tagging them in the same post. I mean why, for the love of God, wouldn’t they just turn to their significant other—who’s probably sitting right next to them on the couch—give them a little love pat and say, “you’re the best spouse, husband, partner, wife anyone could ever ask for.”

Is a Facebook shout out telling someone you love them more meaningful than telling them to their face?

I read an article once that claimed you could tell a lot about the type of relationship someone was in by how they handle their Facebook posts. It basically said people who constantly tag their significant others had intimacy issues—not as bad as the couples who share Facebook accounts—but issues, all the same. I can’t say I agree with that assessment, but I’m no psychologist and quite frankly don’t spend too much time (OK, I don’t spend any time) thinking about other people’s relationships.

Now I know someone is reading this and you’re mad because yesterday you posted this on Facebook:

“I have the best husband in the whole wide world. Happy Valentine’s Day @JohnSmith.”

And I know you’re mad because you don’t have intimacy issues, you love @JohnSmith, and (for one reason or another) want the rest of your Facebook friends to know. And that’s fine. Don’t be mad at me … chances are you’d like me if we hung out for a while … but again, I just have to ask, is a Facebook shout out telling someone you love them more meaningful than telling them to their face?

IF I were a psychologist, I’d give everyone some sound advice, “don’t post about your relationship on social media.” Ever. Oh, for the record, telling them happy birthday is, I guess, OK … but you could just send a balloon.

Cover image created with Google AI (which, BTW, is spot on!).