So, I went to lunch yesterday with a couple of girlfriends. I hadn't seen them in a while, not because we are scattered across the state or even across the country. In fact, we all live within a few miles of each other. Draw a circle around us and I could be at any one of their houses in five or ten minutes.
Why, then, had it been nearly a month since we last sat down to chat?
Texting may be the culprit. Easy to blame, after all, my friends and I text on a regular basis. . .short sentences about whose running where and what our days look like. Great invention, that text messaging. . .no debate here, but as convinient as it is. . .it just isn't the same as hanging out.
At least, not for me.
I like the face to face lunches. The conversations over drinks or at the gym while on my respective trendmill. There's a closeness--a connection--that is born of seeing another human being's expression. . .of hearing their voice, the inflection of each word, instead of reading them on an iPhone or Blackberry.
We live in a fast paced society, one that likes the expediate. And I think sometimes we forget how vital it is to reach out and connect with others.
I felt the magic yesterday. Enjoyed the laughter and the stories, all the talk of fashion and movies and books. But most of all, I enjoyed my friends for the first time in a long time.
It made me realize something important. Good friends are like vitamins. They keep us healthy and help us grow. And you know what? I feel lighter today for having turned off my iPhone and plugged myself into the friendship outlet. I will definitely do it more often.
Because, it's all about effort and, in the end, you get out what you put in.
Technology is a great timesaver but like you said, nothing beat a good old fashion face-to-face. Over drinks, a meal, a cup of coffe at your favorite barista. But, not over any form of exercise equipment. That's to 21st century.You focus on what you're doing and not what you're saying.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. You are so right and I like the being plugged into your friendship outlet. I don't get to see my friends much either due to jobs and such, but do enjoy those fun lunches. Glad you could reconnect. I love the vitamin reference too.
ReplyDeleteI totally feel the same way! I'm sort of the organizer/champion of girl's night out/game night every month for my little circle of friends. Of course, if it were up to me, we'd do it weekly! :) Laughing with people you love - the best medicine out there.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. Texting and typed messages in emails or whatever are NO substitute for live meetings, to see someone's face change and/or get all the nuances of their body language, etc.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a chance to get together with your friends. :)
So very true - texting helps us stay in contact - but in person is the best way to stay close and enjoy each other's company. Great post
ReplyDeleteI agree! Technology, facebook, twitter, email, texting all keep us closer to one another whether we are 10 miles or 10000 miles apart. However nothing beats a hug, shared laughter and the human connections you can only have in person.
ReplyDeleteSo so true! Though I love my iPhone with a passion, there are times when I realize I miss the old days of middle school where I used to pass notes to my best friends in class and spend all night talking on the phone. For all the advances in technology to give us more access to each other, in some very key ways it's detaching us from each other more and more.
ReplyDeleteNothing like some quality time spent with friends.
ReplyDeleteI loved your post! Friends are to be cherised!
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