This is why we can't have nice things

How often has this happened to you?  You post exciting news, only to have it hijacked with comments by online "friends" so negative that you begin to wonder. You wonder why you even bothered to post your good news in the first place. You actually find yourself muttering under your breath, "this is why we can't have nice things because no one appreciates them".  You find yourself getting so riled up that the seven second video above is playing on a continuous loop in your head.

• Do you ignore the comments; focusing on the more positive, supportive ones?;
• Do you delete them taking the risk that your "friend" will, in turn, unfriend you, never to be seen again?; 
• Or, do you respond with all you've got letting the chips fall where they may; again risking being unfriended?

Clearly, none of the above are ideal and whichever way you handle the situation is a personal choice.  However, there are several things to consider:

• Is this person a friend or family member in the real world?  If so, as true friends, unfriending them in the virtual world should not have a detrimental effect on that real world relationship.  If it does, then it wasn't truly a real relationship in the first place.
• Is this person always negative in their posts and comments or could this just be a bad day?  If they are always negative; you have basically two choices, either accept them as they are or remove yourself from their constant negative vibes.  If it simply seems like they are having a bad day, ignoring their negative comment will not make you less of a friend. Better yet, send them a private message (or even call them on the phone) asking if there is anything you can do to make their day a little better.
• Finally, does their comment have any semblance of truth to it?  If so, acknowledge that fact.  While you may have been ecstatic when you posted your news, there are times when your jubilance may be at the expense of others; though unintentional.  Hear them out and if you need further clarification, do not be afraid to ask them to elaborate.  You may just learn a little bit about yourself in the long run.

Just as they are in the real world, virtual relationships are not always "rainbows and roses".  They take work to develop and maintain.  There will always be differences of opinion and arguments.  Dealing with these differences head on in a constructive manner will go a long way in making any relationship stronger.