Identity Thief

After years and years of not using nor activating Instagram, I got 'pressured' to reactivate it again last month. At first it was so we can send each other Reels and memes. Like hundreds and hundreds of Reels and memes. Prior to that, they send me links to the Reels or memes through WhatsApp. Then I opened it in my PC, where the links automatically redirected to a more privacy-friendly frontend. Sounds complicated, but it isn't, really. More of a hassle though with the long process. Later we were using Instagram to, uhm, soft launch things that have been going on between us in the past few years.

Then my DM exploded.

From my partner of course, but also from other people. My photography mentor scolded me for not posting anything for too long. Some asked where have I been all these years. But those who know me asked, what announcement will I make in the next few weeks. Right question asked by people who already know everything. So, the announcement was definitely not for them, but for those who didn't know yet. Just to make sure, they got the right person on their mind.

When we first got together, we already talked about posting each other on social media. Both of us agreed that it's fine to do so as the relationship itself is not secret, but private. And nowadays we feel that it's important to actually post something with or about our partner, not only for showing off (this is more of my thing, not them), but also to make the relationship public. Basically to set a boundary for other people, telling those with common sense to go away.

Oh, and to show that I, in particular, am real.

There were so many occasions in the last 6-7 years, where I met people who thought I wasn't real. Even though they see me in my flesh. Right in front of their eyes. Their reason? No one in modern day doesn't use Instagram. In another day, after I activated my Instagram again, they thought I gave them the second account, or worse, fake account. Their reason? It's impossible for someone of my stature to have less than 500 followers.

Bruh.

I don't think I even know 100 people personally. Plus, how can I get people to follow me if my Instagram wasn't even active for years? And what's in it for me to give everyone a fake account? If I had to have a fake account and fake it till I make it, might as well be myself. I'm already an identity thief anyway, stealing from myself according to people.