I understand your feelings of sadness and betrayal. Surely the woman who posted those photos has social media followers who weren’t invited to the birthday party (in addition to you), so why post the photos? Why make others feel left out? Social media mentally baffles me. It was a smart move to unfollow these women. I was part of their group, so it’s especially obvious they left me out on purpose. And now they are rubbing my nose in it. I’ve never experienced this in my life, and I didn’t think I would feel this from a group of adults.

The one good thing that may have come out of this situation is that you may now have more compassion for those who are excluded. I’m not saying that you weren’t a compassionate person before this situation. I guess what I’m asking is this: last year before this situation occurred did you ever think about the other moms in your community who were on the outside of this particular circle of women?  Are there women who follow you and the others on social media who haven’t been invited to your parties, social gatherings, etc., but have seen the photos online? I think a lot of people don’t think about that when they post photos online. Again I wonder why do people post these kinds of photos anyway? What’s the purpose? The purpose of social media is a new popularity contest, to show everyone how perfect your family is, how booming you are socially, your fancy vacations…. Posters want everyone to know that they’re social and popular and out-about, etc. I was thinking about left out moms this morning and how I could have made someone feel this horrible. While I do my best to be inclusive and friendly, I can be better.

You hang in there, Karina. I know how hard this is. I really do. Thank you, Brandy. Your message came just in time, I was feeling really down and sad and a little panicky.