Have you ever had your words twisted online, so much that it left you in tears?

Have you ever felt under attack because of something you posted online, whether it be a Facebook update, a post, or a tweet?

I have.

Literally now more than once now, I sat at my computer in tears.

So many times words, inside jokes, something meant in jest can be taken and made into something it is not.

So how do you handle it, when your words get twisted?

Here is how I handle it:

1. First I breathe and let the tears flow. Sometimes I have even been known to go take a hot shower, a walk, or make a cup of tea.

2. I don’t get defensive, and if it came across and was misinterpreted I apologize quickly and get my real point across as quickly as I can. Words are easy to twist. The emotion and intent behind the words are not always at the surface, unless you know the writer very well.

3. Sometimes I realize it is okay to take a break away from Social Media, in fact on this blog I have taken long extended breaks when I needed to step back, look after stuff that really mattered to me and then was able to give back in the blogosphere.

4. Surround yourself with real people who know you both on and offline, so when you say something, they know how you meant it, and know your heart. They can be great friends and supports especially when you feel already bad enough.

5. Remind yourself to think twice about what you tweet, update, or post as how you say it, that joke, or tease, may seem hurtful to some and those harsh words of criticism they too can leave someone in tears.

These are the ways I get through those moments when people think I am rude, unkind or even worse, because if you know me well you know my heart and intent is never to be unkind, because in my opinion kindness, consideration, thoughtfullness all matter. Just sometimes it needs to be applied a little more. How do you get through them?

Source: http://commoncentsmom.com/2011/09/07/when-social-media-leaves-you-in-tears/