I was anti-Facebook longer than most. I didn’t get an account until the end of the summer of 2010. I only did it then because a dear friend of mine was moving out of town and she had visions of us chatting on Facebook in the evening between dinner, baths and bed for our children. I think we might have chatted once. She has since almost completely abandoned her account. I just checked and her last post was December 30, 2010. Thankfully we still chat by phone about once a week.

I admit – at first I got a bit caught up in the hype and Facebook consumed way too much of my time. It was fun to see what folks were doing and look at pictures of people’s children. It was fun to reconnect with folks that I lost touch with long ago.

But too soon I became that person that always had to pop by the computer to check her news feed. Facebook stayed open on my computer all the time. I checked first thing in the morning and last thing before I went to bed and a million times in between. I am not sure what major earth shattering news would come through Facebook that I just couldn’t miss, but I was compelled. I was addicted.

I soon realized how bad Facebook was for my mental state. I would read status updates like:

• Celebrating two awesome friends’ b-days tonight…luau style!
• Thanking God for my wonderful husband who is the best Father in the world. He is always there for me and Caroline! He is an amazing supporter of all my volunteer work. We are truly blessed!
• Hotel confirmed, tickets in hand, childcare secured…now bring on next weekend!!
• Massage and pedi from the hubs
• Girls day!

Yes, all real status updates of my friends. While I am thrilled for my friends, constantly being privy to all this information did nothing but depress me. My life doesn’t look like any of these posts. Yes, I am big enough to admit that I am a bit jealous. I also know that everyone’s life is not nearly as perfect as they pretend it is on Facebook.

It was time for me to close the window and back away from my computer.

I decided closing my account was a bit rash, but I did do a week long Facebook fast. It was only then I realized how much time Facebook was really sucking from my life. I realized how much my quality of life improved just by spending time on things other than Facebook.

Now, let me be clear, Facebook is not all bad.

It is a great way to keep in touch with family. I have 20+ first cousins (I can never remember exactly how many) and Facebook allows me to stay connected with them in ways that I couldn’t without it.

My mother’s club has a great page and is always a go-to for activities, events, and recommendations for folks in this part of town. Even though I can’t always participate, it is good to know what is going on.

I also use Facebook as a way to get to know more about a place. I know I am a bit ahead of the game at this point, but in a few years littleman will be going to overnight camp during the summer. I have narrowed it down to a couple of places I am really interested in. I "liked" both of their pages and am really getting a good insight as to what goes on there in the summer.

So, where does that leave me now? Facebook is no longer always open on my computer, but I still have an active account. I still read my news feed, but I’m no longer addicted to it. Facebook and I, we have a healthy relationship – most of the time.