How have your relationships changed over the past 10 years? For that matter, how have they changed over the past 5 or even 2 years? How do you keep in touch with your family and friends in our new high tech world?
Consider all the options available now. Wasn’t it just yesterday when email was the greatest thing? I use it often. It’s quicker than a letter; short message or long, I can compose on the fly and send it on its way. And I get my reply as quickly. Would a phone call do? Perhaps. A phone call is more intrusive, though, and for me, it’s more noise in my already noisy environment. Email will sit quietly and wait to be retrieved, savored and stored or trashed, and responded to.
Though it has its place, email is so yesterday. Today it’s text messages and social media. I still can’t get into the whole texting thing, no children here. Social media – that I love. Twitter is my personal favorite. I love it because it’s quick, short, to the point, then move on. Not everyone’s style. Most of my family and friends are Facebook fans. So I joined Facebook. Then I linked all my Tweets from Twitter to show up here. No need to do extra typing. I’ve reconnected with friends from years ago through Facebook. Interesting to see how we’ve changed and how we haven’t.
What I love about Facebook is the Chat feature. My family and friends are all over the country and around the world. Chat allows me to catch up with them when we’re both online and share a few exchanges about what’s happening right now – like a snapshot of life. I’m growing through these snapshots. I chat several times a week with my brother on a schedule that suits us both better than phone calls. I’m becoming reacquainted with my cousins through Chat and I’m getting to know a couple of cousins and a niece and nephew I’ve rarely seen during their lives.
I’m sure things will continue to change and improve. One thing will not – relationships take time and effort. Find the best way for you to keep in touch or reconnect with family and friends and use it regularly. I believe, like me, you will be amazed at how enriching it can be.
Wishing you a fabulous “hump” day…may your week be all downhill from here!
