How the digital world of today has caused us to lose the significance of true connection.
During the speeches at my cousin’s wedding a few weeks ago, a common theme regarding my cousin was how she was so popular and had many friends. Whether it was the Jain temple, high school, or college, she always had troupe of five to 10 people around her. #squadgoals
Now, most of us can say that in particular settings we also have a posse to roll with. But what stood out to me about my cousin was how she maintains those relationships for a long time. People she was friends with in middle school spoke of how she continue to call and check in on those close to her. Even I think back and remember how confused I was when she would call me, and if I asked about the reason for the call, it was often, “Oh, no reason; just missing you and wanted to catch-up.”
We all know that the rapid growth of technology has helped rekindle lost connections due to the vastly numerous methods of contact, such as Skype, FaceTime, Snapchat, Facebook, even Instagram, etc. But these developments are probably what are causing us to lose touch.
I bet a fair number of you reading this article hate talking on the phone, and don’t worry, I’m with you. I mean, it’s easier to just text with someone back and forth so you can answer at your own convenience. But can you really connect with someone via messaging? Sure, tech companies are trying to make texting more vocal with symbols, such as emojis and stickers, to convey the emotions often present in an actual conversation. I mean, I have won many emoji wars with people, explaining a long story in a text conversation using no words and only emoticons (*mischievous purple devil emoji* *smirk face emoji*).
But no matter how “real” we try to make it, there is always something lost in the translation. There can be a miscommunication when the message comes across in the wrong way. There have been times where I’ve texted someone, and the receiver interpreted it the wrong way. Now, this can happen in face-to-face conversations as well, but it’s easier to read the person’s reaction and quickly correct any unintended mistakes.
So why does any of this matter? First off, I am not in any way telling you to give up texting and rely solely on phone or in-person conversations, because then you would never get ahold of me (actually though, just ask my parents).
Rather, start to incorporate some of those meaningful conversations back into your life. It can be a lunch date, Skype session, or even a simple phone call to someone just to check in and see how he/she is doing.
For example, last Friday on my walk home to my apartment, I called my uncle because I was missing him (but it was also his and my aunt’s wedding anniversary, so all the more reason). And even in those short 15 minutes on the phone, I had an amazing conversation with him explaining my summer internships and hearing about his spontaneous travel plans. In fact, it was that conversation that inspired me to write this article.
So give it a try. Call someone important to you and see how they’re doing. You’ll be surprised how much it brightens their day, and it may even inspire them to do the same.
And, a heads up, there’s a 90 percent chance I won’t pick up if you want to talk to me because #workinglife, but I promise I’ll give you a call back as soon as I can. And you will make my day better.
Source: Odyssey