chipper-smol:

copperbadge:

cryptonature:

Learning to delete/mute/block before a negative comment takes root in your mind is a modern survival skill. If you’re going to wander the overgrown countryside of the internet, you need to develop a quick eye for ticks.

It’s deeply tempting to respond to the “well, actually,” to the cruel assumption, to the unjust accusation, to the odious viewpoint. It’s tempting because you’re defaulting to the etiquette of dinner conversation. This isn’t a dinner conversation. Someone is shouting at you from a moving car. Turn away.

This is an extremely good and helpful sentiment, and one I’ve subscribed to for a long time. Delete the message quickly and permanently. Last time I got a nasty anon ask I skimmed it, realized what it was, and deleted it. Did one or two phrases sit with me for a while? Sure, maybe 20, 30 minutes. I really wanted to respond. But if I had, that cannonball would still be hanging around my neck and present on my blog, and as it is I don’t remember what it was about or even those two phrases that I thought I would. 

I also am of the opinion that it INFURIATES the commenter/sender not to get a response, because why would they be a dickhead if they didn’t want a response, so the longer time passes without one, the healthier I am and the angrier and more anxious they are. It’s good for your mental health AND the healthiest form of vengeance!