Ask Lee: How to Deal With Negativity on Social Media

Today I’m answering another reader question as part of my Ask Me Anything series here on BeautyLeeBar.com. I received a question to my inbox about how to deal with negativity on social media. Social media has the power to connect people from around the world and do a lot of good. But there’s no denying that there’s also a lot of negativity out there on the Web. When they are hidden behind a screen, people often say things that they would never say to someone’s face. It’s also a whole lot easier for certain posts to be misconstrued on social media or for arguments to escalate more quickly. So since it’s something we’ve all had to deal with at some point or another, here’s my advice for keeping it positive online…

When It’s Someone You Don’t Know or Aren’t Particularly Close With…

If it’s someone you don’t know very well (or at all) who is provoking an argument on social media, my very best advice is to ignore it and remove yourself from the situation. This can take a lot of self-control, but it really is your best option. Think about it: what good is getting into a fight with a stranger on the Internet going to do? Chances are it’s only going to make you feel more frustrated. If you need to, you can block or un-friend the person who is causing problems. They might notice that you blocked them, but if this isn’t someone you know in real life, the argument will end there. On occasion, I’ve had to deal with Internet trolls posting negative comments on my Instagram, and I immediately block them. My motto is: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t follow me online. I’ve had my moments in the past where I would clap back at someone that was talking crap under my pics but now I just ignore it and laughed at them. I always make an effort to keep it positive, and I expect the same from my followers.

When It’s Coming From a Friend…

If the negativity is coming from a close friend whose relationship you value, take the discussion offline. Call your friend up or suggest you meet for coffee to get to the root of the problem. It’s so hard to tell where someone is coming from online and things can often be misconstrued. You can’t always tell someone’s tone or what they really meant to say. In my personal experience, arguments between friends over the phone and through social media never helps the situation. Talk to the person 1 on 1 and try to keep calm. If you feel like there is no hope for you two then leave. Its okay to not be friends with someone when it becomes toxic and unfixable.

Anyway, I hope that advice helps! This is also a good reminder for all of us to always be kind online and to only put positive energy out there. Being a cyber bully yourself is the only thing worse than being on the other end of it, in my opinion.

Would you like to hear my advice on any other topics?

Leave your questions for me in the comments.

XO Lee

Ask Lee: Snapchat Q + A

Hey everyone! If you didn’t see on Snapchat I decided to do a Q + A. I want to be as transparent as possible so I’m answering what you guys want to know!

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since becoming a blogger?

A: This is hard. Like really hard… because I’ve learned SO MUCH haha. But the most important thing I’ve learned is that even though there are many different kinds of bloggers out there, we are a small community. It is important to support our own, there is room for everyone to shine. There are many fantastic bloggers who aren’t well known like Huda Beauty, Shay Mitchelle, MakeupShayla, iluvsarahii, Irisbeilin, Amrezy, Lauren Conrad, Angela Lanter, and etc. This is why I love to follow another blog/beauty pages that feature bloggers and upcoming bloggers who also have great talent.

Q: What’s been the most difficult part of being a beauty influencer/blogger?

A: Being patient! It’s easy to get frustrated and lose your temper instead of stepping back and realizing that everything will work out in the end. Keep doing what you love and everything will fall in place. It’s definitely something that I’m constantly working on! And also, I will say getting started. Putting in the first step is always the hardest because you end up second-guessing yourself.

Q: How do you keep motivated?

A: Okay, I have to tell you something here. I wake up 90% of the time with little to no motivation! I would SO rather lay in bed than get up and get going haha. But I go on Instagram and visit all the bloggers that inspire me. I have to remind myself that this is something I adore, I love writing and everything that has to do with beauty and skincare. This is part of my destiny!

Q: What’s your morning routine?

A: Wake up. Email. Instagram + Twitter. Tv On. Face washed + teeth brushed. Make myself coffee or tea. Shower + get ready for the day. ( Maybe I should do a Morning Routine Video Post 😉)

Q: Do you want to have kids?

A: YES! I want 4 kids: 2 boys and 2 girls. Maybe even twins. But before I get pregnant, I want to have a stable career and be married. 

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: Probably Degrassi or Grey’s Anatomy. Wentworth, Orange Is The New Black, The Sinner, Wynonna Earp, and Shades Of Blue are also amazing!

Q: Are you ever going to meet up with that trainer?

A: 😂 😂 Yes and no. His location is kinda far but I should if he is still going to give me free workout sessions. 

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a mua?

A: I have a lot of favorite parts! I love watching clients reaction and how thankful they are for my services. I enjoy learning new things and seeing how proud of my mom gets, and that’s just to name a few! Being a Mua/Beauty Influencer/Blogger is the best!

Thanks for your questions! I had a lot of fun reading + answering them! Always feel free to comment, message or email any other questions and I’ll be sure to answer

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

Ask Lee: How to Deal with Name Calling

I’ve been getting a lot of requests in my inbox to write an Ask Lee about name-calling, so today I’m here to talk about how to deal with this all-too-common issue. Let’s face it, we’ve all probably run into this issue at one point or another. And, unfortunately, we’ve probably all been guilty of name-calling, too. And we all know that it can result in feelings getting hurt and strained friendships and business relationships. My best advice on this topic? Avoid calling other people names. If you don’t fall into the cycle yourself, you will look like a class act and avoid any unnecessary drama. But for those of you who have been the victim of name-calling, here’s my first-hand advice for how to deal…

Confront it head-on.

Not all name-calling situations need to be confronted, but if your feelings are seriously hurt it might be worth it to stand up and say something. You always, always have the right to defend yourself in any situation where you feel you’ve been wronged. Name-calling is no different. But however you deal with confronting it, do not reciprocate in the name calling yourself. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or someone you’re in a professional relationship with, you should confront that person and talk to them directly, if it’s truly bothering you. Remember to stay calm and don’t act when you’re feeling angry or emotional—that’s when you might say something you will regret.

Take the high road.

There have always been name callers and there always will be. That is not in your control. What is in your control is how you react. Win by being nicer. Don’t stoop down to their level. Don’t come back with an equally hurtful attack (as much as that seems like a great way to blow off steam at the time). Chances are if someone calls you a name, they’re calling other people names too. Set an example that name-calling is not ok by taking the high road and demonstrating that you will not reciprocate that kind of behavior yourself. As my mother always said: just walk away.

Don’t sweat it too much.

Whether you’ve confronted the situation or taken the high road and let it go, try not to let it get you down. Who cares what that person thinks of you? If they’re judgmental enough to say something negative about you, they might not be someone you want to be associated with anyway. Often times when people call you names, it’s more about what they’re going through than how they actually feel about you. Try to step in their shoes and think about what they’ve been going through that would lead them to say something hurtful about you. Personally, when I’ve been called names in the past, I would do something to hurt that person even more but now I simply try to laugh it off. It’s hard to remember this when you’re in the middle of a tough situation, but keep in mind that laughing it off will make you happier in the long run.

Have you ever been called a name? How did you deal with it? Do you have any tips to add to my list above?

Let me know in the comments below. And be sure to stay tuned for my next Ask Lee post coming next month.

XO Lee

P.S. If you liked this post, you might also like…
 Ask Lee: My A’s to your Q’s.

Ask Lee: 22 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

 hope you’ve all enjoyed the Ask Me Anything segment so far, because I sure have enjoyed writing my Ask Lee posts. It’s always interesting to go through your questions and comments, then sit down to do some writing and give my two cents on each topic. To round out the theme of this month, I’ve put together 22 things you didn’t know about me. I personally love reading these types of posts, so I hope you enjoy finding out some new facts about yours truly! Let’s get started, shall we? 

1. Dirty Dancing is one of the few movies I can watch over and over again. Nobody puts Baby in a corner! I saw both Dirty Dancing movies growing up and I’m still in love.
2. Jeopardy, Harry Potter and Checkers are one of my favorite games to play on my phone.
3. My favorite drink is Pure Leaf Sweet Tea.
4. I am single but I do have a crush. Can you guess who? (hint: head over to my instagram)
5. My favorite person is my mom I guess, that’s the only person I care enough about to hangout with.
6. I can make a mean spicy like very spicy meatballs or shrimp dish with Asian vegetables.
7. I still write poetry.
8. I played sports growing up, I was very competitive.
9. I never been skydiving but I want to.
10. When I was a sophomore in high school, one of the janitors made a move on me. He had a major crush on me, thinking back I should had probably got my mom involve.
11. Favorite artist? too many to choose from, this isn’t a fair question.
12. Either Freshman or Sophomore of Highschool, one day I had gotten my period during gym. I was wearing a dark pattern tight dress but there was a spot still. It was kinda noticeable. Only one person let me know though, I was so embarrassed, thank god that was the last class of the day.
13. Love bright colors but room has to be dark. Favorite colors: purple, pink, black & baby blue
14. Mom was a banker in New York, she is retired.
15. The best gift I ever got was gifts that I got from my mom. Always got a lame gift from a dude.
16. I’m really good at cutting people off.
17. Do I like girls? Why, you want to date me or something.
18. My must-have product is sunscreen. It’s the first thing I put on every morning
19. Favorite ice cream is Superman, Vanilla or Talenti Gelato Southern Butter Pecan
20. My go-to cocktail at a bar is none, I don’t drink.
21. My go to style is anything black honestly. I’m not into fashion like people think I am.
22. Hair Care Routine coming soon…

What fact from the list above surprised you the most?

Let me know what you thought in the comments below! And if you have a list of fun facts most people don’t know about you, feel free to share. I’d love to read your answers.

XO Lee