I didn’t feel like browsing for a writing prompt that sparked my interest today.  As usual, it’s pretty late in the evening (you know, as far as updating my blog goes), so I didn’t want to get involved with something that might invest too much time.  I mean, I’ve got cartoons to watch, now that I know about AnimeFlavor.com.

But then I remembered someone I saw while I was working the other day.  I won’t name names because I advertise my blog on my Facebook, so they may read this and then I’m in for a weird conversation later.

Anyway, this person (of no particular age or gender) walked past my kiosk in the mall.  They are my friend on Facebook.  And for the life of me, I barely know why.  But I see their posts, their pictures, and their updates – I know some basic things about this person.  And it occurred to me that they must know at least as much about me – maybe more if they read my blog.

I had a thought, but just barely.  In fact, it was so fleeting a thought that I hardly had a chance to really think about it until just now.  I considered, for a moment, saying “hey, (insert name of person).”  It was a brisk and curt thought for one reason: I don’t remember ever talking to them before in my life.

Now, I’ll add anyone on Facebook; I once accepted a friend request from a storage locker company (their status updates are pretty terrible).  But I only do that because it’s the internet and, really, who cares (and, really really, I need more hits on my blog).  But seeing one of my Facebook friends in person and realizing that it would not only awkward, but probably also creepy to say “hello” is kind of shocking.

Think about your friend list.  Is there anyone on there who would be very, very concerned if you started a conversation with “hey, I read your status updates”?