Why do Kenyan ladies air dirty linen in Facebook and Whatsapp groups?

I am a member of numerous forward-looking whatsapp groups. From the trendy one of upmarket mums, to the one for breastfeeding mums, to the one for young aspiring farmers to the one for busting cheaters, to the one of heavy mamas struggling to lose baby weight... you get the drift.

 If there was a subscription fee, it would dent my account. Now, the thing I have noticed about women in these trendy groups (actually women are the majority and admin) is that they are exceedingly generous with info.

Check this out: "My hubby did not come home last night. Do you think he is cheating on me?" "I found a packet of condoms in my husband's pockets. Is he sleeping with another woman?"  Now, such embarrassing posts are always followed by a suspicious disclaimer, "I am asking for a friend." Really?

Ladies, ladies ladies... Why would you put a post that is disclosing to the whole world your marriage has a million cracks and is on the verge of collapse or how insecure you are? I mean ladies there are some between the sheets issues that must never find their way to social media.

When you have such an issue, first, run to the loo to cry your heart out, then call that one person you call a friend. Or if you have no friend, go to your pastor. Matters of "hubby's game is down" are not random stuff you tell the FB community.

Social media might be the go to place for all info from great culinary tips to earth-moving bedroom tips and super parenting tips but do not get carried away and think it is a safe haven for troubled relationships. What happened to sharing your secrets with your girlfriends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine on a couch? What makes you think the thousands of women on FB have your interests at heart?

Have you seen the many stones they throw when you ask an innocent question like 'can I add vinegar to my tea'? And have you seen the way the thread of conversation degenerates from an innocent post to a tear gassing session until 'gava' (read admin) intervenes?

Now, mamas, when you are suspicious that dear hubby is cheating on you, before you post it, exhaust all your close avenues. If there's no one to tell, tell God. And my parting shot goes to the "my baby has been coughing for a month, what do I do?" type of women.

 Please, if your motherly instincts smell something, take the baby to hospital. Simple. Don't gamble with your health and, most importantly, that of your baby.