Mom steals stories, and then shares them

Dear Amy: My mom shares things via social media she has no right to share.

She’ll take a picture that we have posted and post it herself; , often relaying the story of the picture as if it’s her own.

She posted on Facebook about my and my fiancé’s wedding date, stating, “So excited!” and tagging us.

This was before we had even announced it.

I told her to take it down and explained about what a violation it was.

She said she understood and took down the post, but within the same day posted a funny story about OUR dog that I had told her.

I know the easy answer is to not post what we don’t want shared, but she’ll post things we tell her via phone, too.

It’s hard for her to be an empty-nester. But I want her to understand the only way we’ll tell her about things is if she can respect we don’t want it “shared” with the world.

If I don’t tell her about our lives, she lays in a huge guilt trip. — Too Much Sharing

Dear Too Much: You seem to have explained the privacy contract that family members should adhere to. I wonder if your mother understands how posts can be shared with people outside your circle.

This is especially a violation when it comes to weddings, pregnancies, job changes, and the like .

She does not have the right to “take” your personal story and broadcast it widely.

Strictly speaking, reposting photos of you without your permission is actually illegal.

You should tell her that if she continues to do this, you will feel forced to disengage from her completely on social media.

Check your settings to see how you can “review” posts you’re tagged in.

Submit letters to askamy@amydickinson.com or to “Ask Amy” P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068.