The Power of Social Media

MY EXPERIMENT: The Power of Gossip and Social Media.. It's amazing how many people talk behind our backs. And gossip. And it's amazing to see the love of others, too. I posted a picture yesterday of me and a local TV celebrity that I worked with at an event over the weekend. I stated in my post that she 'was even more beautiful in person' to a gentleman on my blog. Get this, people actually took time out of their busy day to text/call my girlfriend and tell her "Look out! Alan is on the prowl, looking at other women." What a joke.
My girlfriend Heather and I were talking about this last night and we really do hear all the gossip. So we decided to change my status to 'Got Engaged' to see what would happen. We didn't tell anyone we were doing this, not even our families.
Within 2 minutes, my son Joe, got a mass text from "the gossiper" that said, "Alan's getting married!"   Within 11 minutes, my mom, who doesn't know how to use a computer, called me and asked me if I was getting married.  I asked her how she heard. Apparently, a former friend, who totally deserted and ignored me when I got divorced, called his wife, who called my ex, who was visiting my mom, and told her the news. And I was the best man in his wedding years ago. I saw him and his family a few weeks back at a local Steakhouse. They knew we were there and didn't have the time of day for me. And I've done nothing to these people. It's amazing how people choose sides in a divorce.
Then when I talked to my girlfriend, she said she had others text/Facebook her and asked her "How far along are you"?, assuming she was pregnant. She's not. Then they said, "Alan must be looking for a job in Arizona", because we vacationed there a few weeks ago. I didn't look for work there.
How sad. My point is, if you talk directly to me, you'll hear the truth. There are SO many false rumors out there it's amazing.
And to all of you who forwarded the message or called someone to gossip about me, shame on you. What a miserable, pathetic life you must lead.
And to all of you (of which there were many) who said congratulations and didn't judge us, THANK YOU for your love and understanding. Your "likes" and comments mean the world to us.
So, for the record, no, I am not engaged, she's not pregnant and I'm not looking for work. 

-Alan