Today, appropriately over Mexican food, a friend and I were discussing Facebook (well, social media in general) and how the general populous has substituted “liking” posts for loving people.

It’s so easy to like people via Facebook. It takes no heart, no time, no emotion, no sacrifice on our part to like a picture or a status update. It is so hard to love people. Loving someone takes time, intention, concern, honesty, vulnerability, and communication. It’s taking an hour from your day and having lunch and a real conversation. Love requires that we see all of a person, not just what we choose to share on Facebook. . .because, let’s face it, not everything is share-worthy. I’m guilty of the over-share, too.

Do we over-share because we’re seeking the “like” from a bunch over the love from a few? Has Facebook diluted our sense of community and friendship? It’s safe, over here, behind this screen. You can “like” me without ever knowing me, and I can “like” you without taking the time to love you.

Well. That’s not good enough, anymore. Love takes heart, but it is so worth it.