Discussing Marriage or family issues on social networks?

[Rugbymom]

How do you feel about talking candidly with moms or dads you don't know regarding your marriage problems or family struggles? Is it liberating and therapeutic or do you feel a twinge of guilt?

[Wendy Sumner Winter]

I think, as long as one maintains a sincere sense of respect both toward my marriage and my husband, it's okay. I'm not particularly inclined to talk about the ins and outs of my marriage, but finances, health, job stuff, that's really fair game. What I'm ALWAYS (in person, or virtually) uncomfortable with is someone who is unkind and disrespectful of their partner in front of other people. Blech.

[Keonte']

I think some of us feel like this community of blogging and social networking is small. When you actually think about it, the internet is huge. Sharing information anywhere on the web has the potential to be shared with millions of people. If it is information that will not harm your family to the extreme, I think it's okay. Eventually, you will notice that millions of people share the same problems you have. I guess it all has to do with preference.

[RONQUAL WILLIAMS]

to me it really helps to get an outside view from someone that you dont even know verses getting advice from someone that you do know if i were to call my bestfriend lisa and ask her what should me and my husband do about any issue that goes on she would not give me the right advice because she is not married so she dont know what to say to me but just like this web site most of u are so the problems that me and my husband my go through or have gone through u guys have been there or will be there to u can help me work thiat problem out

[RONQUAL WILLIAMS]

i feel the same way u feel dont go telling someone in a blog your account number but if u need adivce on something then yes its ok

Keonte' said:

I think some of us feel like this community of blogging and social is small. When you actually think about it, the internet is huge. Sharing information anywhere on the web has the potential to be shared with millions of people. If it is information that will not harm your family to the extreme, I think it's okay. Eventually, you will notice that millions of people share the same problems you have. I guess it all has to do with preference.

[Susan Mentzer]

I feel that this could be a good thing. The reason is that it is some times easier to talk to someone that doesn't know you or your family that's why they have counselors. You do have to be careful online since you don't know if you can fully trust the other person or if they are who they say they are. If the person doesn't know you though then they can give some advice without being judgemental of the other person or you, that's where it comes easier. IF the person does know you and your family then they also have a good chance of giving your advice because they can see both sides.

[Krisschele]

I do like sharing family information, like inspirational stories, or even if its a family struggle. I tend not to share marriage life or issues that are private. I feel that is strictly for the family to know. There has to be a line with social networks. Networking, sharing information, fun ideas, all of that is great. I have met some great people on here and other Ning sites, and I think we can create friendships with divulging very personal information.

[Dawn Noe Matthews]

I completely agree with Keonte. I think that it is okay to discuss certain issues as long as everyone remains respectful.

Keonte' said:

I think some of us feel like this community of blogging and social networking is small. When you actually think about it, the internet is huge. Sharing information anywhere on the web has the potential to be shared with millions of people. If it is information that will not harm your family to the extreme, I think it's okay. Eventually, you will notice that millions of people share the same problems you have. I guess it all has to do with preference.

[Ann M Obrecht]

I don't have an issue as long as it is a candid discussion. I would not post those issues on my blog nor discuss with a stranger in a store. I tend to feel more comfortable discussing some issues with friends. It would have to be someone who makes me feel relaxed enough to confide in them. I think if it's a discussion group that you are aware of the subject, then that's fine. I believe I would find it more therapeutic more than anything else. The discussion would have to have several people involved, such as a group.

[Michele Weiner-Davis]

I always believe that openly discussing issues that may be lingering in your life is a therapeutic way to remedy them, no matter the format. Chances are, your problems are not unique, and there is always useful advice from others who have already gone through what you might currently be experiencing.

[Michele]

Personally - disrespect is not ok... But honest venting, or honest inquiries into how to perhaps solve something? Ok. I wouldn't ever talk about sexual issues. I feel that's too intimate. However, for many of us - the online communities are the only opportunity we have to get someone else's objective take on a situation, and often that's necessary to gain perspective. I know in my case, I only have one close in-person friend that I can ask advice. But we often cannot be together to talk about stuff without children who are not small enough to talk in front of. So - I get my advice and commiseration from online communities.

[Michelle Judge]

oh, I need all the help I can get lol. No, I feel it is liberating and therapeutic to be able to talk to other woman or men that are going through the same things. Its easier to give advice when your not the ones in the situation, and hard for the person it to hear it or except the advice..

[sylvia nyarko]

I think it's a great thing for a lot of p'ple who will never talk about what they are going through in real life with others because they are either shy or uncomfortable talking about it. They are more comfortable sharing online cos no one sees them so its easier to let it out and at the end of the day its liberating and healing to know there are others just like you and to know you are not the only one.