Mr. Savior

10/12/2025

Ah, birthdays. That peculiar ritual of cake and candles, of balloons and well-wishes, of people gathering around to celebrate the simple fact that you’ve survived another orbit around the sun. I’ve always found it curious—this collective insistence on treating the passage of time as a triumph, when in truth, it’s a quiet subtraction. A birthday, my dear, is not a plus one. It is a minus one.

You see, we are born with a finite ledger. Not one of us knows the exact balance, but we all know it’s dwindling. Each birthday is not an addition to our lives, but a deduction from the unknown total. It’s not a step forward—it’s a step closer. Closer to the end, yes, but also closer to clarity, if you’re paying attention.

I don’t say this to be morbid. Quite the opposite. I find it liberating. When you stop pretending that birthdays are a gain, you begin to appreciate what they truly are: a reckoning. A moment to pause, to reflect, to take stock of the time you’ve spent and the time you have left. It’s not about counting candles. It’s about counting choices.

That’s why I celebrate my birthday in a sober mood. Not somber, mind you—sober. There’s a difference. Somber is heavy, mournful, draped in black. Sober is clear-eyed, deliberate, stripped of illusion. I don’t need confetti or champagne. I need silence. I need solitude. I need a good glass of scotch and a better book. I need to sit with the ghosts of my decisions and ask them what they’ve taught me.

Because if a birthday is a minus one, then it’s also a reminder to make the next one count. To live with intention. To speak with precision. To love without condition. To forgive, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. To walk away when staying would cost too much. To stay when walking away would leave a hole too deep to fill.

I’ve seen people chase youth like it’s a currency. They Botox their foreheads, dye their hair, and post filtered versions of themselves in the hopes that time will forget them. But time forgets no one. It is the most ruthless accountant. It tallies every moment, every breath, every heartbeat. And on your birthday, it hands you the bill.

So I pay mine with grace. I light no candles. I make no wishes. I simply sit, and I remember. I remember the laughter and the losses, the victories and the betrayals, the quiet mornings and the sleepless nights. I remember the people who walked in, and the ones who walked out. I remember the versions of myself I’ve shed like old skin, and the truths I’ve clung to like lifelines.

And then, I rise. Not to celebrate, but to continue. To carry the weight of my years with dignity. To wear my age not as a burden, but as a badge. To live not in fear of the minus ones, but in reverence of what they reveal.

So if you ask me what a birthday means, I’ll tell you this: it is not a party. It is a punctuation. A comma in the sentence of your life. A chance to pause, to breathe, to consider. And if you’re lucky—if you’re truly paying attention—it is a chance to begin again.

30/11/2025

30/10/2025

SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE AND ITS USEFULNESS IN OUR SOCIETY TODAY

In today’s world, social media is no longer a novelty—it is a necessity. It has evolved from a mere tool of entertainment into a powerful force that shapes opinions, builds communities, and influences decisions across every sector of society. From politics to education, business to religion, social media platforms have become the digital town squares where voices are heard, ideas are exchanged, and movements are born.

But with great power comes great responsibility. The freedom to post, comment, and message must be balanced with the discipline to do so respectfully and thoughtfully. This is where social media etiquette comes in—a set of behavioral principles that guide how we interact online. It is not about censorship or control; it is about culture, civility, and consideration.

Social media etiquette is the digital equivalent of good manners. Just as we wouldn’t walk into a room and shout over others, we shouldn’t flood comment sections with insults or irrelevant content. Just as we wouldn’t interrupt someone mid-sentence in a conversation, we shouldn’t hijack threads with off-topic remarks. Etiquette is what keeps the online space from descending into chaos. It is the glue that holds digital communities together.

In our society today, where attention is fleeting and outrage is often rewarded, etiquette serves as a stabilizing force. It reminds us that behind every screen is a human being—someone with feelings, beliefs, and boundaries. When we practice good etiquette, we create safer, more inclusive spaces. We encourage dialogue instead of division. We build bridges instead of walls.

Now, let’s talk specifics. Let’s talk about how we behave on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp—two of the most widely used social media tools in our society.

On Facebook, the lines between public and private are often blurred. People share photos, opinions, memories, and milestones. But this openness demands discretion. Etiquette on Facebook means thinking before posting. It means avoiding the temptation to overshare personal details that could compromise your safety or dignity. It means respecting others’ privacy—never tagging someone in a photo or post without their consent. It means engaging in discussions with maturity, even when opinions differ. If you disagree with someone, do so respectfully. Avoid name-calling, sarcasm, or passive aggression. Remember, your digital footprint is permanent. What you post today could affect your opportunities tomorrow.

On WhatsApp, the etiquette is even more personal. This is where one-on-one conversations and group chats happen. It’s where tone matters, and timing is everything. When you message someone, start with a polite greeting—but don’t stop there. Go straight to the point. Don’t just say “Hi” and wait for the person to respond. It’s inefficient and, frankly, inconsiderate. Instead, say “Hi, I hope you’re well. I wanted to ask about…” or “Hello, I’m reaching out because…” This shows respect for the other person’s time and sets a clear purpose for the conversation.

In group chats, avoid spamming. Don’t forward unnecessary messages, videos, or chain texts. Keep the conversation relevant. If someone asks a question, respond clearly and promptly. If you’re added to a group, introduce yourself and contribute meaningfully. Don’t be a ghost participant or a disruptive one. And above all, respect boundaries. Not everyone is available 24/7. Don’t expect instant replies, and don’t take silence personally.

Etiquette also means using proper language. Avoid excessive abbreviations or slang that may confuse others. Use punctuation. Be clear. Be kind. And when emotions run high, take a moment before responding. A calm message is always more powerful than a reactive one.

The usefulness of social media etiquette in our society cannot be overstated. It promotes healthy communication. It prevents misunderstandings. It protects reputations. It fosters collaboration. It encourages empathy. In a world where digital interactions often replace face-to-face ones, etiquette ensures that our humanity is not lost in translation.

When we act like cultured beings online, we elevate the quality of our conversations. We show that we value others. We demonstrate emotional intelligence. And we contribute to a society that is not only connected—but also respectful, thoughtful, and dignified.

So let us not treat social media as a playground for impulsive behavior. Let us treat it as a platform for purposeful engagement. Let us greet with warmth, speak with clarity, and respond with intention. Let us be the kind of people who make the digital world better—one message, one post, one comment at a time.


Stephen Dominic
30/10/2025

22/10/2025