What Facebook MarketPlace Reveals About People

Selfies for Socials

You can learn a lot about people when you’re buying and selling things online. In the past week alone, I’ve encountered the sentimental, the generous, the disingenuous, and the struggling—sometimes all in the same day. 👀

It started with an unused tiffany-style turtle lamp I found sitting in a drawer. I listed it for sale on marketplace and within hours, my messenger was flooded—more than 100 interested! 📥

People weren’t just interested in the lamp; they had stories. 💬

One woman said her mother and sister each had the exact same one, and she’d do anything to complete the set. Another shared that his brother had recently passed away and was a life-long lover of turtles. He wanted the lamp to honor his memory. Most bidders offered well over my original asking price, making it clear I had completely undervalued this tiny glass reptile. 🐢

Meanwhile, I was on the other side of a deal, chatting with a seller about an area rug. We set a time, confirmed the details, and then—poof. Ghosted. 👻

No response, no explanation. Just radio silence.

The rug, if it existed, went to someone else willing to pay more or drop a deposit -- or is being used to lure marks into their lair.

Then, there was my husband’s purchase. He’s building a chicken coop and found a great deal on used chicken wire. He met the seller, loaded it into his truck, and handed her cash.

That’s when she quietly said, “Now I can buy groceries.”

In a matter of days, I’d seen a wide spectrum of human nature: nostalgia, greed, dodginess, and quiet struggle.

Social media often gets a rap for being a breeding ground for negativity [which it can be], but it can also connect us in unexpected ways.

Let’s Unpack It! 💼

Some chase deals, some chase memories or connection, and others are just trying to make it through another week.

Every situation in life—whether in leadership, parenting, or even a simple marketplace transaction—gives us an opportunity to THRIVE above the line:

T—Truth: The truth is, people reveal their character in small ways. As leaders and parents, observe patterns, not just words. Pay attention. Who follows through? Who disappears when it’s inconvenient? Who is barely holding on?

H—Heart: People lead (and parent) best when they act with heart. Just showing up and following through—can mean the world to someone else.

R—Resilience: Getting ghosted is a minor inconvenience, but in the bigger picture, it teaches us the powerful life lesson that people will disappoint us.

I—Integrity: How we show up in small interactions is how we show up everywhere. Whether it’s selling a lamp, making a deal, or keeping a promise, integrity isn’t situational—it’s habitual. And when we lead with integrity, we inspire others to do the same.

V—Vitality: The real lesson was in energy. Vitality isn’t just about having stamina; it’s about where we choose to invest our life force. Whether online or in person, every interaction either fuels us or drains us. Direct your energy toward what cultivates growth, resilience, and momentum.

E—Engagement: Everything we do either deepens our connection or distances us from what truly matters. Wasting time on unreliable or toxic people creates a disconnect [below the line]. Sharing a meaningful memory with someone leads to authentic connection [above the line].

Whether in leadership or parenting, ask yourself:

1️⃣ Am I fully present in the moments that count?

2️⃣ Am I investing in relationships and actions that create lasting value?

3️⃣ Am I choosing to live above the line more often than I’m choosing what’s below the line?

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📌 [The Powerful Perspective]

Behind every listing, every message, every transaction, there’s a person with a story.

Some will restore your faith in humanity. Others will test it. But if you pay attention, every interaction—big or small—is an opportunity to interact from a powerful perspective.

THRIVE model

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