Laura's Corner

With the introduction of online dating and text messaging, many have succumbed to the laziest form of communication.  

An email here, a text there, we believe we are actually getting to know each other prior to the initial meeting.  What occurs during a period of hours or a week can make one believe that the receiver or our message may be Mr. or Ms. Right.  

I believe in text messaging.  When I am in a noisy room, shooting a, “Hey, over here” type of text assists without having to wave or shout to gain attention.  When I arrive early to dinner or a movie, I always send a quick text as an FYI.  Either way, both are convenient and save quite a bit of time as well.

When it comes to a new friendship or possibly romantic interest, many seem to believe texting is the way to go.  Instead of making a call and chatting for a few minutes, most would rather text all day long, spanning a paragraph at the most.  

What in the world did we do prior to cell phones and the internet?  How the heck did we communicate?   Because we are so accustomed to our devices, we no longer feel the need to reach out and touch one another, figuratively speaking. 

Let’s say, (without anyone having a panic attack), that cell phones and internet went down for an entire day.  How would we communicate with one another?  Would you have to be admitted to the ER for delirium tremens?   How would we cope for an entire 24 hours without our quick fixes? 

Let’s ponder further.  Because of the ease and laziness of this form of communication, do we forgo meeting others out and about?  Is it easier texting, winking, emailing or connecting with strangers via the internet rather take the chance than be rejected forthright by a real live person?   Is this the reason we have such a non-personal society, forgoing basic kindnesses such as please and thank you?  

When was the last time you picked up the phone to TALK to a friend or family member?  Besides your Grandma or Great Aunt Suzie, when was the last time you had an actual, real, live conversation with someone?  

Do we forgo spending actual time with one another because of social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace?  Might we say that some believe as long as they update their status on a regular basis, there is no actual need to get together?   Are emails and photos enough to sustain life long relationships despite the fact we live within miles of one another?  

If you find yourself agreeing with this blog, might I suggest logging off your internet and cell phone long enough to re-socialize yourself to the outside world?  Set a time period every single day that will get you out of the house and into situations where you may meet new and exciting people.  Visit your local bookstore, library, museum, park, coffee shop, volunteer or join a gym.  Doing so will enrich your life, health and allow you the opportunity to network as well.  

Let’s disconnect and reconnect with friends and family.  It is only through time and touch that we grow our relationships into full blooms.  After all, who doesn't desire a garden in lieu of a bed of weeds?