As we enter into the Thanksgiving season, I begin to reflect on all of the things I am thankful for this year. Good health, family, friends, business connections and my business. I have never really been one to compare my life to others as long as I am happy with myself. But reading Facebook does make me think differently. What about Facebook makes some people paint a picture of their life that I know firsthand is not true? I have friends that are a mess but according to Facebook, they are the envy of everyone. Perfect spouse, perfect kids, perfect house and perfect life. What about social media, especially Facebook makes someone embellish their life’s highlight reel? They could only wish their lives were as great as it appears on Facebook.

I have some friends on Facebook. Before I go further, let me clarify Facebook friends. These are people I have known for most of my life or just met. So to be forthcoming, the over 1,000 Facebook friends are not at all close friends. They are made up of classmates, teammates, family, co-workers, and yes, friends. So, some of them post pictures, statements and comments that are so over the top of reality, it makes me laugh. Unfortunately, some are too honest with their statements, I wonder how they make it through the day. By the way, stop complaining on Facebook, please.

The reason for my Facebook account is to keep up with these people I care about. Where they are now, what they do now, who married who and pictures of their family and trips, even the sad news of illness and death. It doesn’t have to be over the top, just show what’s going on. We are all smart enough to know the difference in life and a highlight reel. The only person being fooled is themselves.

So this Thanksgiving holiday season my prayers for my friends will change. May your life next year be as great as it appears on Facebook. With gratitude Tim.

‘You’re on Facebook, and these people seem to have endless lives. I don’t have time to live my life, let alone tell you what I’m doing, or post a photo’. –Lewis Black

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Tim Wilhoit is owner/principal of Your Friend 4 Life Insurance Agency in Nashville, TN. He is a family man, father of 3, grandfather of 1, entrepreneur, insurance agent, life insurance broker, employee benefit specialist, salesman, sales trainer, recruiter, public speaker, blogger, author and team leader with over 29 years of experience in sales and marketing in the insurance and beverage industries.