This is Andy, new to our home since yesterday. Isn’t he so beautiful! He’s trying to find his feet and he’s so full of love…just like all of us!
It’s one of those days…
I’m normally quite risk adverse but it’s one of those days…
Where I’m just going to call it… on the subject of ‘likes‘ and ‘follows‘…
If you just ‘follow’ my blog, I’m not going to follow you back. I’m not interested in numbers…
And let’s just call it again…
If you ‘like’ one post from my blog, and it’s a post I re-blogged, because I liked it enough to want to share it some more; and then you ‘follow’ me, I’m still not going to ‘follow’ you back because although I’m glad you liked my re-blog, you still don’t know anything about me and I’m not interested in building numbers, I’m interested in building connections with real people, so please…
Read at least one of my posts, you don’t even have to ‘like’ it, if you don’t think it warrants a ‘like’ but talk to me… so I can talk to you,
I’m Irish… I love people and good conversation. Tell me what you think of my post. Maybe, even though I know you are busy, read two posts of mine and leave me some feedback. Tell me what struck you about my post, first anything positive and then a little, gentle constructive feedback; so I can try to improve how I build my words and how I build a community that really cares.
Thank you for reading. What’s your opinion on ‘follows’ and ‘likes?’
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
Andy is just gorgeous Marie! Look at those beautiful eyes! Are you getting any sleep? I know sometimes puppies can be like little babies and keep you up all night….
On the subject of “likes” and “follows,” I’m kind of torn about it, because I’m one of those people who is guilty of “liking” without leaving a comment quite often. If I can’t think of something to say that I feel adds to the conversation, or if someone else has already said what I was thinking, a lot of times I’ll just “like” the post so my friend knows I was there and read it, and move on. As far as following goes, I used to follow everyone who followed me, but then my Reader got so full that the people (like you) whose posts I always read when I see them started disappearing. I still have times where I’ll suddenly realize I haven’t seen someone’s posts for a while and have to go to their website and see what they’re up to.
I’ll be interested to see how others feel about this.
Hi Terri, he is a dote and I’m happy to be his granny, he’s my daughters new baby, so the sleepless nights are all her responsibility, thankfully!
Thank you for your very insightful reply. I had actually meant my post to refer to how people behave when they initially follow you. Some follow without reading any post, some like one post and then follow without stopping in to say hello or add a comment but I see now that my post is ambiguous, so it’s a good opportunity to see how people feel about likes on posts.
I agree with your approach, I only comment if I feel I can add something new to the conversation, otherwise, if I enjoyed it, I leave a like to show my visit. I still have that difficulty of favourite sites vanishing off my reader and it’s a pain! It’s been lovely hearing your experience Terri, thanks and talk soon. Le grà, Marie
I like and follow quite a few on here as I enjoy diverse content. Difficulty I find is then keeping up with some as it takes up a lot of time. Time I would rather spend writing. Am sure there are others like that.
That said you have a very valid point.
Best wishes from a fellow Irish person. Hope you have a good day!
Thanks for joining in the chat CJ. It’s nice to have a fellow Irish person onboard! Having enough time to commit to blogging is the challenge but it’s the same for everybody I’d imagine! Every blogger has a different style so we soon find and revisit the ones we enjoy! Looking forward to our next conversation. Hope you had an interesting weekend!
You’re welcome. Finding the time can certainly be difficult for posting and reading others posts. Not long into it myself so at the moment am like a kid in a sweet shop! Must say though my experience so far has been nothing but positive what with comments that have been made and replys received.
Likewise. Wishing you the best with your blog. Hope you had a great weekend too and got the best out of that sunshine today!
2.5 years into blogging and I can 100% say it has been a positive experience, with warm comments and great connections made. What planet is your Ireland on…we had no sunshine today! 🤣
That’s great to hear! Not about the sunshine obviously lol
Am up north. County Down. Was a beautiful day up here. My son and I even went to the beach! Sorry you missed out.
I feel the same. I started my blog to find real people to make connections with. It’s so easy to be a robot behind a screen. I am trying to grow my blog and improve my writing so I am always welcoming feedback.
Hi Ashley, thank you for reading and joining in the conversation. I am with you in all you say, if we don’t grow, we just remain the same and hearing other peoples perspectives helps us step outside our comfort zone!
Gorgeous pupper! I love him! I do leave a lot of likes without comment, but I try to comment sometimes. If you’re gonna post pics of this sweetie, I’ll probably comment again. 💖
Glad you like him Paula, he is so loveable already! I comment if I have something I really want to say and if it hasn’t been mentioned already, othertimes I like but only if I enjoyed the post. I think even short comments encourage conversations and I like conversations! Watch out for my upcoming Bullying & Beyond post…Andy is centre stage. Xx
I love Andy! I must say I agree with your likes and follows, etc… I’m not in it for the numbers, I do get a weird thrill out of follows as it feeds some need I have to be an interesting blogger??? That’s about me. But like me, follow me, all good. I only follow blogs when I want to read more about the writer. When I learn and hope I can contribute some sort of meaningful conversation. Call it! 😊
Thank you Kim, he is a dote, he has brought something special to our home already! It’s nice to know you agree and I concur with your approach to follow only blogs I’m interested in learning more about! You contributed some meaningful conversation to this post, so thanks and let’s chat again soon. Xx
Thanks for sharing this post Marie. It is very honest and I applaud your stance which is very true and I totally agree with. I have learnt so much from the feedbacks and some also coming from yourself. Meanwhile, your poppy is really cute. Have a wonderful day today!
Hi Philip, thank you for your really heartfelt comment! I appreciate your feedback and I’m glad you agree. It’s a good feeling to know some of my feedback has made a difference to you too. Isn’t he just so sweet!…come back and check in with me in a few weeks to see how cute I think he is, when he’ll probably have caused havoc and eaten half the furniture!! Le grà, Marie
Thank you for sharing your thoughts… i read your posts because they are interesting and through your eyes I am able to see a part of your wonderful world… as for posting, just do what I do, let your fingers do the walking (typing) and your heart do the talking… 🙂
Hi Dutch, it’s always interesting to read your comments, they are hughly insightful, just like your posts. I’m glad to hear my posts help you see inside my world and that you find my thoughts interesting. I look forward to more shared conversations. Le grà, Marie
Andy is just the cutest, please link this post to mine on pets?
I’ve called it out about likes and follows numerous times in my earlier posts … now I delete a lot of followers, businesses and those who aren’t actually interacting.
I’ve also turned off my email notification for likes after I realised many click up to a dozen likes within the minute … how can they even be reading. So if readers don’t bother to comment then I don’t interact 😦
…I replied to myself…instead of linking to your reply, Kate!
Isn’t he just Kate! If only he could remain this size though! My daughter hopes to train him as a psych service dog. I’ll be sharing a post on it shortly. I like your idea of deleting inactive followers. I didn’t turn on notifications for likes, just for comments as I couldn’t cope with the combined total of email notifications. Obviously those multiple likes are not genuine reads, just attention seekers. Here’s to more real chats with genuine connections! Xx
Oh no, we couldn’t give him away, my daughter is hoping to train him herself and with professional help to become the first psych service dog in Ireland and she has started an instagram account to share her experience. I will be posting her link. Xx
oh I get it a service dog for herself, how magic … wishing her all the best because Andy will give her unconditional love and support just like her family .. one very lucky little puppy 🙂
Isn’t he just Kate! If only he could remain this size though! My daughter hopes to train him as a psych service dog. I’ll be sharing a post on it shortly. I like your idea of deleting inactive followers. I didn’t turn on notifications for likes, just for comments as I couldn’t cope with the combined total of email notifications. Obviously those multiple likes are not genuine reads, just attention seekers. Here’s to more real chats with genuine connections! Xx
Marie I am a lot like you. My blog isn’t about numbers because they do not really matter. I like to be able to have communication with my readers. I really enjoy getting to know others and it is helpful to be able to chat with those that really understand. I think you are pretty incredible and have been SO helpful to me for a long time!!
Hi Alyssa, what a lovely thing to say and I’m delighted you feel that way. We haven’t been in touch as much but that’s the limitation of blogging, numbers increase and time is limited. Having post no longer show up in my reader is also frustrating. I hope you are feeling better than lately and that your new home and job are turning out just as you hoped! Le grà, Marie xx
I really hope we can continue to stay in touch. With all I have been going through lately I haven’t had the energy to read and comment as much as I want, but I am going to do better with this. You have been an inspiration to me and SO supportive. Thank you so much for being such a great friend Marie!
Isn’t he just! He has a huge presence about him already. Your goal is excellent and as we say in Ireland, water always finds its own level, we know who we are comfortable with. Thank you Lisa for your affirming response. Xx
Our last puppy ate the settee, the box of the lawnmower and chewed through the flex of our chest freezer, causing most of it’s contents to be ruined…without electrocuting himself! Hope you’ve stocked up on chew toys Dr.Perry! Thank you for reading & commenting!
And yes, I do relate to you feelings about “likes” and “comments” and in all honesty I feel like I’m in the same boat! I wish I had an answer to it.. For now, I’m just trying to concentrate on my writing and keeping myself busy with “prompts” and “challenges!”
We can only do our best Richa and if that’s not good enough for people, then I guess we have to leave it to them to solve! By the way… I think you do great! Xx
Agree with you. I have, apparently, nearly 800 ‘followers’ but can guarantee that actual comments come from a core group of around 20-30.
Instagram is far worse. It is all about building follower numbers for some people. Quite why my IG account is of interest to aspiring actresses in LA, o(r travelling young ladies who only seem to possess bikinis to wear), I am not sure, but I have my suspicions based on the fact they often have 25K followers but are currently only following 500 people themselves.
This is a text widget, which allows you to add text or HTML to your sidebar. You can use them to display text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these. Edit them in the Widget section of the Customizer.
February 17, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Andy is just gorgeous Marie! Look at those beautiful eyes! Are you getting any sleep? I know sometimes puppies can be like little babies and keep you up all night….
On the subject of “likes” and “follows,” I’m kind of torn about it, because I’m one of those people who is guilty of “liking” without leaving a comment quite often. If I can’t think of something to say that I feel adds to the conversation, or if someone else has already said what I was thinking, a lot of times I’ll just “like” the post so my friend knows I was there and read it, and move on. As far as following goes, I used to follow everyone who followed me, but then my Reader got so full that the people (like you) whose posts I always read when I see them started disappearing. I still have times where I’ll suddenly realize I haven’t seen someone’s posts for a while and have to go to their website and see what they’re up to.
I’ll be interested to see how others feel about this.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend sweet friend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
February 17, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Hi Terri, he is a dote and I’m happy to be his granny, he’s my daughters new baby, so the sleepless nights are all her responsibility, thankfully!
Thank you for your very insightful reply. I had actually meant my post to refer to how people behave when they initially follow you. Some follow without reading any post, some like one post and then follow without stopping in to say hello or add a comment but I see now that my post is ambiguous, so it’s a good opportunity to see how people feel about likes on posts.
I agree with your approach, I only comment if I feel I can add something new to the conversation, otherwise, if I enjoyed it, I leave a like to show my visit. I still have that difficulty of favourite sites vanishing off my reader and it’s a pain! It’s been lovely hearing your experience Terri, thanks and talk soon. Le grà, Marie
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 12:08 pm
I like and follow quite a few on here as I enjoy diverse content. Difficulty I find is then keeping up with some as it takes up a lot of time. Time I would rather spend writing. Am sure there are others like that.
That said you have a very valid point.
Best wishes from a fellow Irish person. Hope you have a good day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Thanks for joining in the chat CJ. It’s nice to have a fellow Irish person onboard! Having enough time to commit to blogging is the challenge but it’s the same for everybody I’d imagine! Every blogger has a different style so we soon find and revisit the ones we enjoy! Looking forward to our next conversation. Hope you had an interesting weekend!
LikeLike
February 17, 2019 at 8:49 pm
You’re welcome. Finding the time can certainly be difficult for posting and reading others posts. Not long into it myself so at the moment am like a kid in a sweet shop! Must say though my experience so far has been nothing but positive what with comments that have been made and replys received.
Likewise. Wishing you the best with your blog. Hope you had a great weekend too and got the best out of that sunshine today!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 9:58 pm
2.5 years into blogging and I can 100% say it has been a positive experience, with warm comments and great connections made. What planet is your Ireland on…we had no sunshine today! 🤣
LikeLike
February 17, 2019 at 10:05 pm
That’s great to hear! Not about the sunshine obviously lol
Am up north. County Down. Was a beautiful day up here. My son and I even went to the beach! Sorry you missed out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 12:09 pm
I feel the same. I started my blog to find real people to make connections with. It’s so easy to be a robot behind a screen. I am trying to grow my blog and improve my writing so I am always welcoming feedback.
LikeLiked by 3 people
February 17, 2019 at 8:07 pm
Hi Ashley, thank you for reading and joining in the conversation. I am with you in all you say, if we don’t grow, we just remain the same and hearing other peoples perspectives helps us step outside our comfort zone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 12:05 am
I agree. It’s nice to hear what others have to say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Gorgeous pupper! I love him! I do leave a lot of likes without comment, but I try to comment sometimes. If you’re gonna post pics of this sweetie, I’ll probably comment again. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 8:40 pm
Glad you like him Paula, he is so loveable already! I comment if I have something I really want to say and if it hasn’t been mentioned already, othertimes I like but only if I enjoyed the post. I think even short comments encourage conversations and I like conversations! Watch out for my upcoming Bullying & Beyond post…Andy is centre stage. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 10:23 pm
I will 👍🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 2:51 pm
I love Andy! I must say I agree with your likes and follows, etc… I’m not in it for the numbers, I do get a weird thrill out of follows as it feeds some need I have to be an interesting blogger??? That’s about me. But like me, follow me, all good. I only follow blogs when I want to read more about the writer. When I learn and hope I can contribute some sort of meaningful conversation. Call it! 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
February 17, 2019 at 8:12 pm
Thank you Kim, he is a dote, he has brought something special to our home already! It’s nice to know you agree and I concur with your approach to follow only blogs I’m interested in learning more about! You contributed some meaningful conversation to this post, so thanks and let’s chat again soon. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 8:28 pm
My pleasure! Soon. xo for sweet Andy, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Thanks for sharing this post Marie. It is very honest and I applaud your stance which is very true and I totally agree with. I have learnt so much from the feedbacks and some also coming from yourself. Meanwhile, your poppy is really cute. Have a wonderful day today!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 8:46 pm
Hi Philip, thank you for your really heartfelt comment! I appreciate your feedback and I’m glad you agree. It’s a good feeling to know some of my feedback has made a difference to you too. Isn’t he just so sweet!…come back and check in with me in a few weeks to see how cute I think he is, when he’ll probably have caused havoc and eaten half the furniture!! Le grà, Marie
LikeLike
February 17, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Thank you Marie. Hahaha!!! Very funny about the ‘havoc’ and ‘furniture’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts… i read your posts because they are interesting and through your eyes I am able to see a part of your wonderful world… as for posting, just do what I do, let your fingers do the walking (typing) and your heart do the talking… 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
February 17, 2019 at 8:18 pm
Hi Dutch, it’s always interesting to read your comments, they are hughly insightful, just like your posts. I’m glad to hear my posts help you see inside my world and that you find my thoughts interesting. I look forward to more shared conversations. Le grà, Marie
LikeLike
February 17, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Andy is just the cutest, please link this post to mine on pets?
I’ve called it out about likes and follows numerous times in my earlier posts … now I delete a lot of followers, businesses and those who aren’t actually interacting.
I’ve also turned off my email notification for likes after I realised many click up to a dozen likes within the minute … how can they even be reading. So if readers don’t bother to comment then I don’t interact 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 8:50 pm
…I replied to myself…instead of linking to your reply, Kate!
Isn’t he just Kate! If only he could remain this size though! My daughter hopes to train him as a psych service dog. I’ll be sharing a post on it shortly. I like your idea of deleting inactive followers. I didn’t turn on notifications for likes, just for comments as I couldn’t cope with the combined total of email notifications. Obviously those multiple likes are not genuine reads, just attention seekers. Here’s to more real chats with genuine connections! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 4:48 am
couldn’t agree more …
oh you couldn’t give Andy away to do service, but great to train him never the less 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Oh no, we couldn’t give him away, my daughter is hoping to train him herself and with professional help to become the first psych service dog in Ireland and she has started an instagram account to share her experience. I will be posting her link. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:07 pm
oh I get it a service dog for herself, how magic … wishing her all the best because Andy will give her unconditional love and support just like her family .. one very lucky little puppy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Exactly Kate…Andy is dozing in front of the stove as we speak!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:28 pm
sweet ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 17, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Isn’t he just Kate! If only he could remain this size though! My daughter hopes to train him as a psych service dog. I’ll be sharing a post on it shortly. I like your idea of deleting inactive followers. I didn’t turn on notifications for likes, just for comments as I couldn’t cope with the combined total of email notifications. Obviously those multiple likes are not genuine reads, just attention seekers. Here’s to more real chats with genuine connections! Xx
LikeLike
February 18, 2019 at 12:59 am
Marie I am a lot like you. My blog isn’t about numbers because they do not really matter. I like to be able to have communication with my readers. I really enjoy getting to know others and it is helpful to be able to chat with those that really understand. I think you are pretty incredible and have been SO helpful to me for a long time!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm
Hi Alyssa, what a lovely thing to say and I’m delighted you feel that way. We haven’t been in touch as much but that’s the limitation of blogging, numbers increase and time is limited. Having post no longer show up in my reader is also frustrating. I hope you are feeling better than lately and that your new home and job are turning out just as you hoped! Le grà, Marie xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:17 pm
I really hope we can continue to stay in touch. With all I have been going through lately I haven’t had the energy to read and comment as much as I want, but I am going to do better with this. You have been an inspiration to me and SO supportive. Thank you so much for being such a great friend Marie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:23 pm
I always believe we will if we are meant to and I’d like to think we will Alyssa! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:25 pm
I agree with you 100%! It is meant to be and we definitely will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 1:27 am
Andy is such a cutie. That face 💗 I completely agree. Meeting like minded people is my goal. Wonderful post!!
LikeLike
February 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Isn’t he just! He has a huge presence about him already. Your goal is excellent and as we say in Ireland, water always finds its own level, we know who we are comfortable with. Thank you Lisa for your affirming response. Xx
LikeLike
February 18, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Beautiful puppy! I just got a puppy for my wife this Valentine’s. He is a handful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 9:57 pm
Our last puppy ate the settee, the box of the lawnmower and chewed through the flex of our chest freezer, causing most of it’s contents to be ruined…without electrocuting himself! Hope you’ve stocked up on chew toys Dr.Perry! Thank you for reading & commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 18, 2019 at 10:10 pm
Oh my! We have to watch him all the time. I am now googling things such as ” can puppies eat dirt?”😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 19, 2019 at 8:18 am
I can save you the search…’yes’ lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 19, 2019 at 8:34 am
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 19, 2019 at 2:30 am
Aww.. Andy is adorable!❤️
And yes, I do relate to you feelings about “likes” and “comments” and in all honesty I feel like I’m in the same boat! I wish I had an answer to it.. For now, I’m just trying to concentrate on my writing and keeping myself busy with “prompts” and “challenges!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
February 19, 2019 at 8:27 am
We can only do our best Richa and if that’s not good enough for people, then I guess we have to leave it to them to solve! By the way… I think you do great! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 19, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Aww.. Thank you! Well.. The feelings are mutual!❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 22, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Agree with you. I have, apparently, nearly 800 ‘followers’ but can guarantee that actual comments come from a core group of around 20-30.
Instagram is far worse. It is all about building follower numbers for some people. Quite why my IG account is of interest to aspiring actresses in LA, o(r travelling young ladies who only seem to possess bikinis to wear), I am not sure, but I have my suspicions based on the fact they often have 25K followers but are currently only following 500 people themselves.
LikeLike