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Let me say first that almost all of the comments you all share are so incredibly kind and generous, and I'm SO THANKFUL for that. But, occasionally I do get a mean comment (or two, or eight . . . ), so here are a few thoughts on those I've decided to share. Bear with me . . . .
Y'all . . . I love your mean comments on Facebook.
Um . . . mostly? 🙂
For real.
Don't believe me?
Well, believe it or not there are some fantastic things you're doing every time you choose to leave a mean comment over there, so I thought I'd share my absolute favorite (of the bajillion . . . ) reasons I love here.
Here we go. 😉
1. You're making my posts more visible.
The truth is, Facebook doesn't let you see most of the things I post there on PPP most days. In fact, of the 419,000 570,000 + Facebook fans that I have, many of my posts (especially deal posts) are seen by less than 20,000 people.
However, when you comment anything (even not-so-nice things), Facebook sees my posts as a little more valuable. Not the most fun way to get attention, but in a very noisy online world I guess I'll have to take it.
2. You open the door for a few nicer readers to stick up for me.
I love that.
If you're one of the nice readers who comments, I really (really!) appreciate you. 🙂
3. I'm so glad to give you a place to vent.
Everyone has a bad day occasionally and just feels the need to holler sometimes.
I get that.
If being rude or snarky on Facebook gives you a safe place to vent, while I may not always enjoy it, I'd rather you be mean on one of my Facebook posts than to a real human being in real life.
I just hope you're not mean to real life human beings in real life too?
4. You're helping me develop some seriously thick skin. 🙂
Good. gravy.
When I started PPP I was about as thin-skinned as they came, but now (most?) of those not-so-sweet comments just roll right on by. Every once in awhile I feel the need to defend myself and may share a word or two, but I try to remember that for the one or two mean comments I do get, there are so many more folks reading who are just plain old nice.
5. At least you're seeing my posts.
Honestly, so few folks see my posts on Facebook that at least your mean comments lets me know a few people really do see the stuff I spend hours typing away at each day. If you really want to keep up with all the deals here on PPP I highly encourage you to sign up for my free daily emails (I'll even give you my Crock-t0ber cookbook and grocery list for free just for signing up. You're welcome!)
Although, the more you like or comment on Facebook the more often you'll see what I post – so like, comment and share away too!
6. We live in a free country.
I love that we live in a place where you're allowed to comment on things (within reason?) and we can all voice our own opinions.
I love that you can tell me how atrocious my recipe looks, how terrible it is that I bought Frosted Flakes last week, and how much you don't like Chick-Fil-A.
*ahem.*
I love that we're so fortunate to be in a place where we have access to computers and smartphones and laptops and ipads . . . especially when so many people in the world don't even have clean water.
So the fact that we can all share what we think with others who have different opinions all over the world is downright amazing to me.
7. And now, one last thing.
Do remember that just about everything you see online was written at some point by a real, living breathing person.
And, that person (quite possibly), really does have feelings.
I'll take your mean comments and sift through them as I can, but there are a few times they've been hurtful because I really am just a mom who loves to share a deal.
Our family doesn't eat perfectly, my recipes haven't been plated by Martha Stewart, and I've been known to have cleaning products near food in my pantry.
***gasp.***
But go ahead and say what you need to say, get that heavy weight off your chest, and PLEASE BE NICE to the real folks who actually see you in real life each day, okay?
okay.
Thanks for listening to me ramble today. I sure am thankful for you (mean comments and all), because you give me a place to rant sometimes too. 🙂
Thoughts? Leave a comment to share.
Laurie, the passionate penny pincher is one of my favorite sites to follow in Facebook. I have possibly 90% of the recipe packages you developed with the awesome group of woman. I’ll admit that at times I’m a little intimidated by your organizational skills and appreciate all the good advice (I need it).
Mean folks I feel are only projecting their anger or dissatisfaction in their lives. I a way I feel that their purpose in life is to make us try harder to be better persons. Remember that it’s how we are molded by hard experiences. We overcome them as we are “refined” like silver processed by high heat. I believe there’s even reference to that in the Bible.
Just know that you are a wonderful blessed child of God. Hugs
Hi Evelyn, that was so kind of you to reach out and let us know! We are so grateful for your support. Thank you so much for sharing! Have a blessed year!
You are a blessing to me and to so many others daily! Thank you for being willing to develop that thick skin! The shopping tips, the recipes, the cleaning & organizing, the real life – through it all it is easy to see your heart for what God has called you to do. Thank you, Laurie!
First, let me just say ….you have changed my life! How I think about dinner and my own self confidence with making food has completely changed! I am so incredibly grateful to have found Passionate Penny Pinchers!! Everything that you & your team put together and all the hard work & energy you give to this…. Labor of love… that I don’t even want to call your job… because it’s more than that. It’s your calling.
I am so incredibly thankful! The haters unfortunately don’t get the gift of the blessing that your team is.
Xoxo Leah Leclair
I agree that FB and people’s comments has made me less thin skinned too! I don’t mind people sharing opinions that disagree with mine but when people call me stupid or other names and demean me, sometimes I delete their comments!
One time recently a person commented on your page that you were greedy etc. I stood up for you because he doesn’t know your heart or motives and had no right to judge. Keep doing good things for people! We like it.
I’ve been having so many conversations with friends about this very thing. I’m almost afraid to post anything on FB because of the negative comments. I have not developed a thick skin yet.
I’m praying that 2023 will be the year we can all increase kindness and grace with each other.
I actually went part time (I’m a dental hygienist) because the rudeness and mean-ness of my patients was just overwhelming. Even patients I have treated for years!
I appreciate you and your staff. May God bless you in the coming year.
What a flippin’ awesome message!! I work in law enforcement (I’m an Executive Assistant, not a deputy) and some of the things people write on our social media are crazy! Luckily, our community loves us as much as we love them and they step up and drown out the negative comments (which are usually from out-of-state)! I can’t even imagine how it would feel to read those comments directed toward myself, like you do! God love you, Laurie (& protect your blood pressure after reading the “Negative Nellies” LOL)! I may not be able to read your messages daily, but by golly I’ve found them to be very helpful and from a genuine desire to share when I do read them! Thank you for your servants heart!
Laurie, You’re the best!!! I appreciate all that you do so keep up the excellent work and thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God keep blessing you ♥️
Laurie, that was very educational for me! Thanks for telling those of us who didn’t know, just how it works. I couldn’t help but hear the song lyrics, “Why ya gotta be so mean?
Keep doing your thing. You’re awesome.
People need to think before posting something negative “what am I trying to do posting negative remarks?” Is it worth it being mean to someone? At the end of the day, it doesn’t do anything except make the commenter look small. The old saying should be repeated: if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!
Hang In There Laurie! I enjoy your videos and recipes, and because I have a picky husband, I won’t be making all your recipes, but that’s ok. I have many cookbooks and some of them only have one of two recipes I use over and over again. But that’s ok!
Laurie,
You are filled with so much grace! Thank you for this post. It may fall on deaf ears but I appreciate your attitude and your gratitude. I just love you and wish more folks adopted your way of thinking. I love all your products! My kitchen and freezer can attest to the amazing products you share with us. Thank you for being you!
Thanks so much for your sweet words of encouragement Beth ~ that means a ton! Hugs!
Laurie,
You have such a gracious and generous spirit! Your love for the Lord is evident and you share His love in all you do. I hate that you have negative comments because I know (as a fellow at-home small business owner) there are so many things behind the scenes that people have no idea about. The amount of work and preparation you put into your posts is tremendous and inspiring and you are so very appreciated. Thank you for creating PPP and for putting together such an amazing team. I feel like if I saw you at the store, you would embrace me in a hug and make me feel like we were long time friends. Keep doing what you do. It matters!
That is just the sweetest Misti ~ thanks so much for your kind words of encouragement! Hugs!
Amen!
Love how gracious you are! Keep up the fabulous job you and the PPP do…we got your back!
Thanks a bunch for your kind words and support Janet ~ that means so much! 🙂 Hugs!
I love PPP!!! Just a mom? I went to a class one where that was the main topic. Just a mom? Being a mom, is so much more than just mom. You are raising the next generation, maybe the next President of the U.S. or a teacher who saves a child, or just maybe a mom to your grandkids. Mom’s are teachers,nurses,dr,taxi drivers, garbage pick uppers, landscapers, ect. Keep your head up, straighten your crown. Your doing the best you can.
I don’t understand the need for some to try to pull others down. I have loved reading your posts and can’t wait to get my recipes for the sc2. Keep doing what you do. We love it❤️
I’m not sure when I saw your first video clip on Facebook, but I always enjoyed the recipes you posted, and your realness (is that a word?), and your encouragement, and the fact that you scrape all the stuff out with your spatula (….I knew you were my kind of girl the first time I saw you do that). With a little help from me, my husband gave me three PPP recipe boxes for Christmas. I have had such fun with them. My daughters are enjoying them as well. Thanks for your kindness and the Truth you share.
What a gracious, fabulous response!
Thanks for being a role model of a great Christian and showing kindness. I continually learn from you – your recipes and your positive, kind attitude.
The idea of any of the helpful hint sites is to take what you like and leave what you don’t. Constructive feedback, not destructive, is key. Sometimes a new and improved idea may come from someone commenting on what they don’t like but there is no reason to be a mean girl or guy. I encourage folks to remember why they are seeking new ideas and helpful hints in the first place.
Wait! There are people who actually dislike Chick-fil-a?
In all seriousness, the PPP posts are genuine and informative. It’s sort of like walking in the back door at the neighbor’s house, grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting down at the kitchen table for a little chat. You know how the conversation starts. One of us says, “guess what I figured out today” and it ends with the other saying, “I’m going to try that too, or where’d you get that.” For those who believe they need to make a snarky comment, scroll on, but have a nice day. Mine is good, you’ll just have to try a little harder.
Remember, people said mean things about Jesus too. Yet He still cared for them, just as you do. You have a heart like Jesus. It’s plain to see. Keep up the amazing job you are doing.
Hi Laurie! I just read this and want to say I love you and the PPP team! I havent tried all the recipes yet that I have bought. I have all but the cookbooks and some of the tins. I love all of it and the help ya’ll give. I message Shannon enough. Lol
Love your sweet heart!!Keep up the good work you are doing!!!Enjoy your post so much!!
Let me just say I am so, so glad you did this!! Honestly, I’ve never seen the mean comments towards you…BUT, I can tell you that I am one of the ones who would jump to your defense IN A HEARTBEAT!! I could tell this week in one of your live videos that you were affected by this! It was radiating through and I could just tell (you talk about gifts from God…that’s one of mine!) It bothered me because there are a few people who have come along in my life who truly inspire me and leave a lasting impression. You are my greatest example of a Christian, wife and mother! YOU are what I strive to be!! It made me sad that someone could steal the joy out of MY LAURIE!!!! So, I’m super glad you got this off your chest…and I know without a shadow of a doubt you’re doing the Lord’s work everyday through your encouragement and your example! You’re one of those few people who walks the walk and talks the talk! I just appreciate you so much and love, love, love you!!! (I’m not psycho, I promise!) Please tell Satan to get behind you and stop trying to get in your way!! To use YOUR words….I AM ALWAYS CHEERING FOR YOU!!
Laurie – This was so well written and handles. But honestly makes me so sad. You are such a genuine Godly woman. It is a blessing to have you to make me smile and feel normal. Thank you for having tough skin and persevering through even 1 mean comment, though I know there are more, so that I, and honestly 99.9% that follow you can have your smiling face and ideas in my/our home(s) ever day. Prayers for you. Oh and those meanies need to stop following!!!!
Go girlfriend!!! My mom always said if you don’t have anything nice to say keep quiet.
Your a real life mom and wife , who shares your life with us. I Thankyou ,for there’s days we all need a little inspiration to get started and you bless you
all .❤️❤️
I don’t understand mean or rude comments . If you don’t like what you see push the little button it’s that’s simple .
Thankyou to you and your family and team for making us all better in what we do every day to stay sane
I absolutely love this post. Kill them with kindness. I totally do not understand why some people feel they have the right to be critical of someone’s hard work but I love your method for rationalizing these poor pitiful miserable mean people in this world. You are always so bubbly and also real. You uplift me every time I watch your videos.
Love your videos, I hate it when I miss it live. Yet I still watch them anyway. I love how you get to share about everything. From the gospel to cleaning products and even a mini fashion show, I love your guests. I have never had biscuits as wonderful as Margaret’s . Keep on sharing. Hurting people say mean because they are deceived. Keep loving them! It confuses the devil!
Thank you so much for your sweet words Sherrie – that means so much to me! 🙂
Hi Laurie!!!
I have only been on FB since Covid hit…..I NEVER would go on as I am Director Of Sales for a company and get PLENTY of negativity and didn’t want anymore. Well, Covid started and it got a bit boring. So, I started with Deco Exchange for wreaths garlands, etc for tutorials and yours came up. At the beginning I NEVER saw a negative post on your feed and then well, people started to be a bit snarky. I was so very tempted to tell them off and a couple times I did answer as I thought I needed to have your back. Well, I have learned the fine art of IGNORING the idiots. Would love to see how they live their perfect life, right? LOL Chik Fil A? LOVE IT! Oh some don’t? Who cares! Scroll on……LOL Love you and your team.
You can’t please everyone and no one is perfect.
I love all your tips, do I use all of them no, but the ones I need and are in my budget, I am greatful for. I am also sure that things I don’t need someone else does. Thank you for helping us all and sharing your happy self with us.
I LOVE your blog, and Facebook posts. I have be able to get many a great deal on things because of you! I love all your enthusiasm and willingness to help us as moms and grandmas to get good deals and save money. Thanks for all your efforts!
Thanks so much for your kind words Angi – that means so much to me! 🙂
Aww it blows my mind that anyone would be mean to sweet laurie!!! I mean what is there even to say? Too many calories in the recipes haha!! I know it can be frustrating when deals don’t work out like they should but they are just suggestions to help us! I for one loooove your blog and your videos and have had so much fun snagging deals!! Thank you for your fun content!!
Thanks for your sweet comment Kaylee- that made my day! 🙂
I read your posts and check the deals each day. You are somewhat like a smart little sister; happy, a little sass, funny and real. Keep it up and thank goodness for developing thick skin. Life is short, have dun doing what you like and do ńot take crabbiness or criticism personally.
I came America 10 years ago, knew nothing, got married and have a baby. You will never know how much you helped me who even speak English well but wants to live smart as other house wives.
( now I am smarter than them because of you).
Thank you very much. 🙂
YOU DO YOU Laurie!!
Thank you soooooo much for your kind words Sakura – that means so much to me! 🙂 So so glad that PPP has helped, and that just makes my day. Thank you for your kind words!!!
I can’t say enough how much I LOVE this post. I have pretty thin skin most of the time & have to walk away from the mean comments when it’s on my own site or FB. When it’s on a friend’s page or post, I’m able to jump in and politely defend though.
Thank you so much Savannah – it’s crazy how much just a few words can sting sometimes (so glad I’m not alone in feeling that!) Love that you jump into stick up for those folks though – thanks for sharing!
I look forward to your emails and FB posts every day!! THANK YOU for sharing your deals, tips and insight….they are sooooooo helpful to this mom who is constantly struggling to keep her family of 7 on a budget! Not always an easy task! But you make it easier! So once again…thank you! You are amazing!
That means so much to me Lisa – thank you so much for sharing! I appreciate that more than you know 🙂
I read the headline and thought, I do not have time to read this. This is absurd and if people have time to write mean comments, they need to get a life, hobby, something.
I would not even waste my time addressing them if I were you. thank you for your helpful posts. We live in a busy, cruel world. Keep Shining!
Thanks so much Misty!
What an awesome perspective you have. Very inspiring.
Thanks Jessica! My perspective isn’t always that good, but I am working on it 🙂 I need to make it move over to other aspects of my life!
I’m sorry you have to deal with horrible people when you are doing so much to help moms and dads and whomever else save money. I look at your emails and app everyday to help my family and friends and without a doubt you have made my life with couponing and saving money so much easier. Normally I don’t comment on things but when I saw your post I just had to because I can’t for the life of me understand how anyone would have hurtful things to say to you. You are a huge blessing to many and we appreciate all of the time and effort you put into helping us save money and time for our families… Please please please don’t quit your day job, so many would be lost without you… Thanks again…
Thank you so much Azure – goodness that means so much to me. Sometimes I really do wonder if it really helps people, so I needed to hear that today. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment – it made my morning today!
I just chalk up mean comments as coming from ignorant people who do not regularly read your Facebook page. I love reading recipes. If there is one I don’t like, I just won’t make it. No need for any comments. I love your coupon and great deal alerts. I, too, like saving money. I love tips on decorating, cooking, gadgets and everything else from clever people. Thanks for caring about all of us readers. Keep up the good work and carry on.
Thanks so much for your kind words Paula – I appreciate that so much and am so glad you’re here!
I just don’t understand how anyone could be mean to you!! I sent you a short email a while back just telling you how much I looked forward to your emails and thanking you for all the money you have saved me and all the awesome deals I have taken advantage of. You sent me back an absolutely lovely email expressing your appreciation. As a couponer I try to shop early and make several small transactions so I don’t tie up the check-out line. For the most part most people behind me are genuinely excited about my savings. I have had several people be very ugly about waiting on me. My motto is “kill ’em with kindness”. I refuse to let anyone steal my joy. Don’t you let anyone steal yours. Peace 🙂
You’re so right Renae – goodness it’s so easy to let people steal our joy but it really is a choice (and killing them with kindness is a wonderful motto!) Thank you for sharing – I love that you’re here reading PPP! 🙂
Laurie,
I so look forward to your PPP email every day! you have made a tremendous and positive difference in the lives of my family! We have used your ideas, pointers, cost saving ideas, decorating tips, and recipes since first hearing about you from a friend in Madison shortly after moving here from Colorado. Laurie, I now use a crock pot because if you!! But 39 isn’t too old to start, right? ;0) You bless so many with your sweet spirit, tenacity, honesty, humility, creativity, spunk, and humor every day! Seriously. Every. Day.
You are precious and you are using your gifts, talents, and abilities to change the world! Keep up the fabulous work!!!
I love that you use your crock pot now Christi – that makes my day (it’s amazing isn’t it?!) Thank you so much for sharing yoour kind comment, and 39 isn’t too late to start anything (I’m just a few months ahead of you – we’re almost twins!) 🙂
Laura– you are doing a great job helping all of us save money. Thank you!!
Thanks so much Kim – I appreciate that so much! 🙂
I’m gonna go post some mean stuff…you know, to help you out 😀
Ha – thanks Tiara! 🙂
Laurie,
I love your posts and your daily emails are the highlights of my day! I used to have a personal Facebook too but I have also deleted it because of the amount of haters out there, wow! Smh. Don’t need the negativity in my life, no way, no how. Anyway, wish I had 1/2 the grace and thick skin you have to handle that kind of madness. Some people can be just outright cruel, unfortunately.
But, it is so refreshing to know that somewhere at the bottom of this Pandora’s box we live in, there’s still a tiny little voice named, Hope that is actually much stronger than she than she thinks is. That’s you, dear. Keep it up and shine on, girl! 🙂
Thank you so much Diana for your kind words, they mean so much to me! So so many people are kind that they way takeover the grouchy comments, but some days they wear you out. I appreciate you encouraging me and giving me hope – it means so very much to me!
Your blog is such a wonderful site! I was a working mom for many years until health problems prevented me from working. It was a hard adjustment for me. While I loved being able to be home with my girls I felt like I wasn’t contributing to society. Through your blog I learned so much about being a stay at home mom and the importance of doing so. I’ve learned to coupon, meal plan, organize and that we all have those days when the “Momster” (as my girls so affectionately nicknamed me on those days) rears her ugly head! Your honesty about your own faults have been such a comfort and learning tool. It is unfortunate that some people are so rude in commenting. But as you do so well…. you have found positives of the situation. Well done!
I love that so much Julie – thank you for taking the time to share! That means sooooo much to me. I really do feel like whether we work outside of the home or not, we have such a precious calling as wives and moms. Thank you so much for reading PPP and for sharing how it’s encouraged you ~ blessings!
I enjoy your posts! Love Chick Fil A and have carpet cleaner in my pantry. Hahahaha!
Thanks Sharon – ha! 🙂 (So glad I’m not the only one with cleaner in my pantry – although I did move most of it after that one….) 🙂
love you Laurie!! thanks for putting yourself out there everyday. This is another great post.
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the wise overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16
ehugs from ‘bama :)michelle
Thank you so much for your kind words Michelle – I appreciate them so much! For the most part they really don’t get to me any more, but every once in awhile… well, they do! 🙂 Definitely God teaching me a little about Proverbs 12:6 (thank you for that gift today!)
May God Bless you in all you do as you share so much that helps with our lives.. Thank you for being so loving and kind and compassionate. A MAN’S pRIDE BRINGS HIM LOW,BUT A MAN OF LOWLY SPIRIT GAINS HONOR. Proverbs 29:23
Thanks so much for commenting Sandy -your kind words means so much to me!
I love Chik-Fil-A, and I love getting your email. It is sometimes the BEST part of my day! 🙂 I am a teacher, and have been so for 26 years. My skin is still not thick enough for Facebook, where I can hear about all of the reasons teachers are underworked, and overpaid. Thank you for taking one for the team!
I’m so glad it helps you and you look forward to the emails each day! Facebook is definitely not for the weak of heart . . . I’m sure you could handle it, but whew. 🙂 So glad you read PPP (that means so much to me!)
I too do not have a Fakebook. That’s what I call it. I have been slammed on there too by family and did not even know it until a friend called to tell me, SAD! People are so miserable these days they feel the need to bring everyone down in the mire with them. Just keep the joy of the Lord and be blessed. Thank you so much for all the great deals and precious ramblings about you and your family!!!
Thanks so much for reading Melinda – there are things I honestly do love about Facebook (it’s definitely the easiest place to connect with readers as well as old friends!), but goodness, you have to be ready for the rest. So glad you take the time to ready PPP – it means so much to me!
I actually don’t have a Facebook account for many of the reasons you talked about. However, as for the content of your blog, you are one of the most genuine voices I know in Blogland. I don’t want Martha Stewart recipes or the like. I really don’t need another image of perfection to fail to live up to 🙂 What I do appreciate are the realistic tips and hints about what is working for a real family and the reminders that nothing is perfect and it is perfectly fine to use a few coupons and spruce up some thrift store finds.
I may have to share this post with a few teenagers I know–so many of the reasons on your list could be altered to apply to their own Facebook angst!
Thank you show much for commenting Jaime – I *love* Facebook because honestly it drives so much traffic to my site, but goodness, sometimes people just aren’t nice. For the most part though I’m CRAZY fortunate to have incredibly sweet readers, and am so thankful for that! Thank you so much for your kind words and just sweet encouragement ~ I appreciate it so much more than you know (definitely no Martha Stewart here!) 🙂
Wish I could hit a “LOVE” button on this one! Thanks for all you do, Laurie! We are ALL “perfectly, IMperfect”.