TAGGED #makeITsafePH #WritingContest

TAGGED

"It's okay," I tell myself as I scroll my fingers through my Facebook news feed. It's not as if it's the first time that a stolen photo of mine was posted in a social media platform. It's not the first time I've read how people joke upon how I look. It's the first time that I've become the center of a meme. I'm a good sport though. I should never get angry.

They meant no harm. It was solely for the sake of having fun and making people laugh. Myself included, I think.

So, really, it's okay.

Lately though, it bothers me that I'm starting to get annoyed and offended about the harsh comments of strangers, friends, and family. They meant no harm, right? It was meant to be humoristic. Also, it was my most liked and commented photo to date. It should make me happy, right?

I scrolled up again to see a particular tagged photo with 13k shares, 24k reactions, and 1.2k comments. I scrutinized it once more and tried to find what's amiss. After all, I received a 7.1k 'Haha' reactions and most of the comments tell me that I do not look pleasing at all.

My hair is flying as I jumped high from my seat, both hands are enclosed in a fist as if I was the one who won, my eyes closed and evidently intent on praying, and my face ... an evidence of genuine joy.

So, really, what is wrong? I am still quite confused why people seem to dislike this candid photo.

I continued scrolling through the new sets of comments full of 'Hahas' and insulting remarks that I refuse to accept. My mind still unable to comprehend why each words of strangers, family, and friends started to stung my heart and scar my confidence.

Closing my eyes, I tried to calm myself by chanting the words, "It's okay. They meant no harm and people are just naturally full of humor." I tell it to myself like a mantra until it makes me feel better again.

It didn't.

"What happened to her? Why did she looked like this?" I read one of the comments.

"My sister, who joined a regional wide singing competition, was announced as the winner. I couldn't stop myself from cheering and praying when the host called her name," I wanted to reply but stopped myself.

Does it matter?

Do I really have to explain myself?

I turned off my phone and set it down the library table as I saw my friend's approaching figure.

- - - -

Just a few hours in our study, she asked for a break and got her phone.

A few moments later, she started smiling and oddly laughing while scrolling her fingers on her phone. As if reading an entertaining news.

She then suggested the idea that I have become famous because of my viral photo then proceeded to comically laugh with no sound.

She showed me the new comment and it read: She looked constipated.

She continued laughing. I joined her.

If this is supposed to be funny then fine. I'll join in the laughter.

I opened my phone again and hit that 'Haha' reaction button for that new comment.

I went to scrutinize my photo yet again.

My hair is flying as if struck by strong winds, both hands are enclosed in a fist and raised as if carrying an invisible heavy baggage, my eyes closed as if I have the worst stomach ache and my face ... an evidence of pure catastrophe.

Okay.

I do look constipated.

I scrolled through the comments again and although I now knew that I have to just laugh it off because it's supposed to be funny, why does it still hurt?