Are you guilty of social media overshare?

Hi Jane,

My girlfriend and I love listening to your show when we are on the run. 

So, I don't know if you can help me, but since you give great advice, I'm hoping you can lend a listening ear and maybe some advice. I have been dating my girlfriend, Samantha for almost three years now. We are high school sweethearts and have both just starting in the working field. 

Even though we are so in love, we are total opposites. She is more outgoing and quiet the socialite while I am an introvert. Lately, Sam has been sharing in great detail personal interactions we have together, and with the family online it is getting to me. When we have fights, she also takes to Facebook to post a cryptic message almost to send me a sign. 

I find this incredibly childish, but she does not seem to agree. I feel that there are some moments that should be just for us and not the world. Also, my family, mutual friends, and strangers can see what she posts; it can be somewhat embarrassing. 

Any advice on how I should handle this situation? 

Thanks, Mike 

This is an email I received from a listener, Mike, and, boy, did it make me cringe. If this were my partner, I know I would not be impressed. Firstly, sorry dude, no one likes their laundry out there for the world to see. 

My advice; talk to your lady again, express to her how this is affecting you, especially because those closest to you now know what goes on in your relationship. If that does not work, you may need outside intervention, I know this may not sound cool, but maybe a family member or a friend needs to come in to mediate the situation. 

Privacy in a relationship is important for both parties involved. You can even ask her how she would feel if she were in your shoes. Often people cannot see what they are doing unless they can picture themselves in the situation. 

Read: You are fired! The reality of misconduct on social media

As much as social media is open for all your thoughts and feelings, I don't feel like it is the place to talk about what is going on in your personal life. Boundaries are in place for a reason, and after being married for ten years now, I know the importance of respecting my partner's need for privacy too. Even when it comes to sharing with my girlfriends, there is only so much I can tell. 

Fortunately and unfortunately, we live in a very digital world, we can do almost everything and anything using a gadget.

Can you remember the days when you used to pen your thoughts on paper in the form of a diary or journal? Like back in your school days, when your crush made eye contact with you from across the room, and you had to recreate and document that moment? Some days I wish we could go back to that simpler time.

Read: Has social media taken away the joy of birthdays?

I do not know about you, but every time I log onto my Facebook account, I come across a post that has me cringing! Firstly, from the spelling errors (sorry friends!) and, secondly, because I am left thinking; I could have gone today without seeing that!

I get it, we have freedom of speech, but one would think to a degree that saying too much has also landed people in huge trouble and with hefty fines. Look at Shashi Naidoo, what was her own opinion spiraled into her personal life and her brand. Don't get me started on the infamous Penny Sparrow! 

With that being said, I do enjoy when people share their good news. If you're proud of your new job or bought your very first home, shine on! Let's always bear in mind that your average of 300 'friends' may not be your true friends. 

Read: Free-spirited yoga mom causes stir on social media

What do you consider to be inappropriate posts on social media and do you think Mike's girlfriend is an over-sharer?

Let me know by commenting below.