DEAR MISS MANNERS: A current real-life friend sent me a friend request on social media, and I accepted. I have regularly liked quite a few of this friend’s posts -- about half of them -- and even commented once or twice with something such as “That’s great!” or “Congratulations!”
Never once has this friend liked or reacted in any way to any of my posts.
We are both relatively active on social media, engaging with mutual friends, and neither of us posts anything controversial, bragging, or weird. I am aware that some of my posts may not have been seen by my friend, or that the algorithm may be somewhat responsible, but I cannot believe that all of my posts have been accidentally overlooked.
I don’t want to make assumptions or be petty about this, but I think it is human nature to be a little bit hurt. I feel very foolish continuing to like my friend’s posts while receiving nothing in response, so I have totally stopped. I refuse to ask my friend what’s going on because that would not be well received. What would you suggest in this situation?
GENTLE READER: Well, now you know how people feel when others do not acknowledge their invitations or presents.
Only you have not actually done anything for your friend when you distribute personal information online, so there is no etiquette violation when your audience does not keep cheering you on.
If you want to know how your real-life friend really feels about you, Miss Manners recommends making a real-life personal overture.