It
has been almost 9 months since I left Facebook. The initial craziness
of those first few months is over and my friends (mostly Facebook
friends) have almost forgotten my existence on Facebook. Thanks to my
lucky stars, they did.
People
who invariably predicted that I'm quitting Facebook to seek attention
and I'll be back in no time, have finally filled their timelines with
what they are eating and how they are spending their weekends. People
who spent tireless evenings trying to convince me why I should be on
Facebook, have finally understand that it's much like a death of a
loved one. First, you can't believe that he's not there any more,
then you miss him, then time, the great healer, comes and slaps you
hard so that you can focus on other important things in your life.
However, some spiritual creatures who believe death is not the end,
still asks – how's life without Facebook? And always my best answer
is – You've no idea!
Don't
you miss your Facebook friends? Someone asked me desperately, trying
to prove the point what a cruel person I am. I couldn't help but
laugh. “Facebook friends” – now that's a term! I'm glad to be a
90's kid (no, none of my parent's name is not 90, in case you wonder)
where I grew up playing on green fields with mud under our feet,
band-aids on our knees, and with actual friends. Yes I could hug,
punch, scratch, and even poke them... without the help of any blue
colored, virtual, thumb-like button. I've fallen in love without
worrying about my relationship status on Facebook. We've spent hours
together, without tagging each other on Facebook. We went to great
restaurants and enjoyed great foods while our phones were in our bags
because none of us felt like showing the menu to our Facebook friends
to prove the point what awesome lives we have. Stop being so
prehistoric, Ajesh. What's wrong with you?
Maybe
it's because I know what it feels to be with real friends. Maybe it's
because I've seen how our dear friends change and tries to show off
their lifestyles. Maybe it's because I've been an alcoholic and know
what addiction is and how tough it is to accept the fact that I'm
addicted. Maybe it's because I didn't feel like checking my privacy
settings every time I talk to someone. Maybe I didn't feel like
stalking other people and ridicule myself. Maybe it's just my problem
that I didn't want to upload when I'm farting, sleeping, eating,
kissing, smelling a book, watching a movie, taking a long drive, or
partying with my friends.
Back
to the fun word – Facebook friends! I don't miss them. I don't miss
any virtual entity desperately trying to prove his life is cooler
than others. I don't give a fuck about people who wish each other
without even remembering their birthdays, thanks to Facebook. I have
a special list of friends. A very special and precious list it is.
And I know that no matter where I am, we will always meet up and have
fun. I talk to them face to face while having the best beers in town.
They hug me when I'm sad, without Liking my comments and sharing wise
quotes. I remember telling this to someone – those who are my
friends, will be in touch with me, those who don't care, were never
my friends. That's exactly what happened. Now I've a great list of
friends, we meet, we text each other, we remember our birthdays, and
yes they don't tag me on Facebook.
When
I wake up in the morning, I can listen to the birds singing outside
my window without having to check my phone to see how many Likes I
got on the status I've posted last night. I can read more, paint
more, love more, watch more, drink more, fuck more, smile more, sleep
more, and dream more without spending hours on a blue-colored
website. Life without Facebook, is always MORE. Even though
I'm not a fan of Pepsi, but I'd love to end this post using one of
their slogans – it's my life and Yeh Dil Maange More!
