I don't have a cell phone. I feel (though I know this is not true) like I'm the last person in the United States to not have one.
One of my best friends said the other day, "I miss you, Rita! Sometimes, I just want to text you, but I can't!" I wonder if I'm missing out.
Am I?
When my husband got a cell phone for work, we discovered some benefits to having one of these pocket-sized contraptions. But I admit, I still love writing a five-page long letter in my lazy cursive, sealing it in an envelope, and putting a stamp on it knowing that the person on the other end will receive a surprise in the mail. My favorite form on conversation is face-to-face, preferably over a cup of tea after the kids have been put to bed so I can concentrate on the person in front of me.
Call me old-fashioned.
But I still wonder, am I missing out?
You tell me, am I?
The ways we communicate are continually changing. There was a time before even letters when perhaps people spent much more time communicating with those people in their family or village. It is interesting that even writing letters took away time from those who are nearest to us. So, perhaps it is a matter of being aware of the positive and negatives surrounding all forms of communication. Though, are the older forms better or are they more comfortable?
ReplyDeleteIt took me a long time to get an e-mail address, then a long time to get a Facebook account. Maybe I just don't like change. I do think we need to hold onto the old ways too, not just push forward to 'bigger and better.'
DeleteChris, you have a cell phone, I imagine? What are things like where you live?
Hi Rita. Yes, I use whatever the latest form of communication. I can say that my least form of communication is chat. Though, if I had several family and friends move only to that form of communication, perhaps I might even join. I also find SMS to be rather tiresome. Though, I wouldn't be willing to lose friends over it. I prefer e-mails best (even over responding to blogs since I actually see the response in my inbox unlike having to check back). Though, e-mails are losing popularity these days. Are there forms of communication you would consider off limits? I often hear people comment that they would most like to just sit across the table from other people. Though, I would even comment that different friendships can blossom differently based upon the type of communication. For example, Facebook allows for some very strange people from my past having discussions with each other for which would never happen in real life and would also be a bit awkward sitting with them all together. I also like speaking with family members on the phone, but not long lost friends on the phone. That also is a little too strange for me. Though, in Twitter and e-mail that works great. Do you find that the best form of communication is the same for all of your friends and family? or do you have preferences on how you will communicate?
ReplyDeleteGood points, Chris. I don't think I will lose my friend over not-texting; she wishes we could get together more often, and when we do, we have wonderful conversation. I do know that for everyone, they have their preferred method of communication. There are friends whom I would not hear from regularly unless I text them; then, I use my husband's phone. Seems sad to me, but I will cater to that if needed. But I know I will never have deep conversation by texting. Every so often, I can go deep through e-mail or FB, but that's usually for touching bases and small talk. But like you said, each relationship is different. People that are closest to me, I will make an effort to get together in person with them. I don't think I would ever Twitter, I don't see a purpose in it. The phone or e-mail is best for me (like you) and I link FB and blog messages to my e-mail address so I can get it all in one place.
ReplyDelete