This says more about me than mastodon, but at this point in my life, when I'm tempted to reply to someone to disagree, I just unfollow them instead. It's better for my mental health.

Ahahahaha.

Me: Here’s a thing I do for my mental health.

Rando: Don’t do that.

Me: *block*

(I also block for my mental health.)

Note that I started the original post by saying “this says more about me” and “at this point in my life.” There was a time when being Right online meant a lot to me. That time has passed. Hell, I’m not sure I care about being right in person anymore.

It may happen to you, too. When the time comes, try to enjoy it. It’s very liberating to let online strangers exist in their wrongness.

Friends and family are different. That’s how you know they’re friends and family: you’re willing to expend the time and energy to work on the shit that needs work.

Today a woman came up to me in a parking lot after I parked my truck. She wanted to know if I still believed the bumper sticker on my tailgate that says "patriotic Americans get vaccinated." I warily said yes. She started on an anti-vaxxer rant.

I could have had a fight with this woman. I could have tried to change her mind. I could have done a lot of things.

I just said "oh, no thank you" and walked away.

Sometimes denying someone your attention is the only thing you need to do.

I'm feeling old and particularly beaten down by life at the moment. Maybe I'll get my fighting spirit back someday. But for now I need to reserve my energy for the people and places where I can do some good for the people who matter to me. And a rando in a parking lot, or on mastodon, is just not it.

@fraying Depriving randos of your time and attention (their oxygen) is very effective self-defense. Sometimes it's even satisfying.

Here's to better days ahead.