I don’t fight with folks on social media.

I don’t see the point.

It’s gotten to the point these days that I don’t even comment anything unless it’s something a friend has posted because people wild out over nonsense.

Today, I didn’t listen to my own advice.

I commented. I thought it was the moms’ group I’m a part of because those people are pretty level-headed and admin has things on lock. When I pressed ‘post’, I didn’t realize I was posting to another page where the people aren’t so relaxed.

Yo, people get hostile over the most mundane things.

All of a sudden it’s “you called me stupid!” and “I don’t know who pissed in your coffee!”

Y’all, chill. I don’t insult people online because I don’t go out of my way to disrespect people. Especially Black women, we are disrespected enough by everyone.

But when you’re online you can be triggered by what you feel versus what is. Facts are not insults. I appreciate that in online communications there is no body language, tone, inflection, etc. so it can be more difficult to gauge other people. Our emotions can get the better of us and when we’ve been told that we’re stupid or our opinions don’t count? We internalize that shit and it plays out in our interactions.

What did I do? “Sis, that wasn’t my intention. No disrespect intended.”

Dem kept on carrying on.

OK, so why am I posting about this on the first sunny Wednesday morning of Black History Month?

We can’t be so willing to fight with each other over nonsense. We need to continue building community and supporting each other. We’ve been through all things and yet, for the most part, we love one another unconditionally.

We need to let go of the shit we’ve internalized and understand how amazing we are—especially when we support each other.

But when we don’t? Oh lord.

Black people face a lot of challenges and barriers, from employment, health, anti-Blackness, education, and more. And when it comes down to it, all we have is each other because while there are others who may want to help, who may try their best, at the end of the day, they don’t live in this skin.

So for the next 25 days of Black History Month and beyond, let us interact with each other with kindness. If you’re getting hot because someone has said or posted something, take a minute to understand why you’re vex. Ask for clarification. Give your brother or sister the benefit of the doubt. I’m not saying to allow people to abuse you, but don’t walk into situations expecting the worst.

We aren’t coming for you.

I’m not coming for you.

Sis, I want to see you win.

And stop commenting on Facebook. It truly is the devil’s playground.