It happens to the best of us, even in a good relationship/friendship(s). Communication is such a fickle thing, and the lines of communication can become blurred every so often, especially when love, feelings, and bonds are involved. Even those who think that they are immune to the confusion of conflict can find themselves drawn into a communication breakdown when they least expect it, and chaos ensues.
In today’s society I am geared towards the thought that technology has lend a hand in this communicational breakdown. I love technology and I am certainly one for taking advantage of its conveniences. Being able to text throughout a busy day without having to pick up the phone (not like I can ever find the darn thing anyway) and still feel a bit of connection with your loved ones while tackling the day’s work load is great. In emailing, you can really fill a person in with what’s going on because you can type/see better than on that tiny screen on your phone (well at least in my case it’s easier & less time consuming). Facebook, twitter, blogs are wonderful ways of networking, expressing ones’ self, & keeping up with old, present, & new friends/family.
Now having said all that, there are negative qualities that go along with the greatness of technology & social networking. Take eye contact for instance; it’s becoming so common that in the company of another live being, likely their eyes are locked on the screen of a cell phone, I-pad, I-pod, laptops, etc. “Do you ever get that feeling that you must be the most boring person on the planet in these encounters?” It used to be that if a person couldn’t look you in the eyes then they had something to hide. “Oh lordy, how confusing in today’s world.” The convenience’s that are provided are seemingly taking away what’s in the moment and most of all personal connection. The personal is what’s being taken out of relationships & when you take out the personal, there goes communication.
I have wonderful close friends near & far with whom I contact & get in touch with in many different ways…may that be through technology, phone calls, events, lunch, coffee, and so forth. And then I have those friends in which the only way I have contact is through technology. Who do you think I take more serious? The ones who like wise go a little bit more beyond a "tap tap" on a key board and want to be more personal. Ten to one, these “tap tap” friends are the ones who contact you when they typically are in need of your services & it benefits them… blah. Everyone knows at least 1 or 2 of these types in their lives. On the plus side, it’s in a way a nice gesture…they know they can rely on you but at what point do you begin to not feel as though you’re anything else to these folks but a doormat. This is not to say the “tap tap friend” is not just as wonderful & unique as the others but where effort is felt, there is warmth & trust. The genuine sound in a voice can go a long way. You can know wonderful people and try in many different efforts to connect on a personal level... but truth be told if they really dig you, they will meet you along the way. And then there are those priceless folks (gems) for when time is spent & it might not even be often, but when you do, it is spent well & as if no time has ever passed. My vise is to not take the “tap tap” personal, waste no time being bothered. And, if given the opportunity…be honest with them on how they make you feel. Some people just are unaware and never take notice to their ways without a little communication. I always say “better to say too much than not enough.” We all are busy, especially in this “never stop world” we live in today but take note to never complain if you are the new age who takes the personal out of your encounters when you notice others stop going out of their way for you…just take a moment to think about a two way street. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. So for everyone, try and be your best by putting back the personal & be present in your relationships. Think of it like church if you will, by showing up because you want too, not because you feel you have too.
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