EDITORIAL NOTE: Cyberbullying - Ending the Cycle

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while since I've posted on my blog, mostly because I have been extremely busy in real life. I've been blessed with a loving family, fabulous friends, and more projects than I can count. And I feel like life is moving in the right direction, finally.

Sometimes to move forward, we have to let things go. We have to let go of unhealthy relationships, unhealthy work environments, and unhealthy thoughts. It recently came to my attention that a certain person, whom I only associated with for a month online, continues to repost a libelous blog post about me, despite two failed attempts for her to listen to a cease-and-desist letter that my attorney sent to her. This article is not to discuss the accusations, but I am happy to do so in private, if you wish. This article is to remind everyone about the dangers of friending people online, and some practical tips to avoiding cyberstalking, cyberharrassment, and cyberbullying.

First of all...

NEVER GIVE ANYONE ACCESS TO YOUR ACCOUNTS! Regardless if they attempt to have you sign a legal document to attempt to obtain that information from you, it isn't any of their business. If you do give them access, make sure you understand that if the relationship goes sour, they may attempt to lock you out of your own account. Are you prepared to deal with that?

Second...

DON'T REVEAL PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE. Only friend people you know or who don't give you the heebie-jeebies in your tummy when you talk to them. If you feel like you can trust them with knowing your birth date, cell phone number, email address, give it a few weeks before you give that away. Give the relationship time to develop. If it moves at the speed of light, put on the brakes until you can get a feel for the character of that person. When you feel comfortable, then give what little you are willing to give, don't let them force it out of you.

Third...

SET YOUR BOUNDARIES. If someone clearly violates your boundaries, let them know. If they continue to do so, walk away. You are doing yourself a favor, and them, but telling them their behavior is unacceptable. You can't fix them. Let them deal with their own problems.

I hope this helps. If you want more of the story of what happened in my life and how I have overcome the negativity of one person, send me an email. Don't always believe what you read online, especially if it is one-sided. Remember, just because it is on the Internet, doesn't mean it is well-researched or objective.

In Love and Light,

Talya Raphaella
Archangel.Sandalphon@gmail.com