Oh, Instagram. To think that generations before were not blessed enough to have a photo-sharing app that allowed you to prove that you have friends, a social life, and fire-editing skills. Lucky for them however, there is one certain stress that those before us never had to deal with.

Number of Instagram Likes.

Such a simple thing, yet we have slowly allowed it to control our lives. For some, the obsession has moved past the early stage and there's pretty much no hope for ever going back. If you are still in denial, here are some signs to break it to you that the obsession is real.

1. Planning the caption

The caption is EVERYTHING. If it's too much or not enough, it can push people away from liking your picture. No matter how cute it is. This is why the perfect caption is so crucial: it needs to be just right -- to ensure the maximum potential of likes. You are guilty of searching Pinterest and Tumblr for "Insta Captions," asking your friends if they have any ideas, or even resorting to relevant song lyrics.

2. LMI: Like My Insta

As soon as you post, anyone close to you probably knows what to expect next.

"Hey, did you like my Instagram?"

"Go like my Insty"

"LMI"

You understand that people are busy. And you know that maybe they haven't been on Instagram to see the beautiful masterpiece that is your #WCW. So in reality you are doing them a favor by letting them know you posted. It's selfless, really.

3. Finding the perfect Instagram time

It is just common sense; there are certain times that are PRIME to post a picture and get a comparable amount of likes. It is that perfect time when everyone is on Instagram yet, not a lot of people are posting. You picture is guaranteed to be seen. Plus since people won't have much to look at, they are more likely to like your picture. It takes awhile to find the perfect time. 5:00 PM never fails for me, but it is all about finding the best time for you.

4. The Debate: Liking your own picture

There are two type of people in this world. The type of people who like every single one of their own pictures to give themselves an extra like. OR the type of people who view such an act equivalent to one of the seven deadly sins.

If you do it: Why not? No one ever actually notices when they scroll through Instagram. It gives you an extra like too. Sometimes when you're on 149 likes, IT JUST MAKES SENSE TO MAKE IT 150. With great power comes great responsibility.

If you don't: Why would you ever? You should be able to get to a significant amount of likes without having to like your own photo. If you can't, then you will lower your head in shame with your only defense being "At least I didn't like my own photo."

5. Deleting

When an Instagram doesn't get the amount of likes you normally average, what is the only thing you can do?

Delete it.

It didn't happen, it didn't exist. You know you can do better. More importantly you know that you deserve better. As soon as enough time has passed that it is probably drowned in the timeline, you can get away with deleting it without anyone noticing. Your only option is to post it again in a month or so and try again.