a sticky statement

“No one writes to each other anymore.”

So a good friend laments to me. This thought resonates in my mind, and sadly, in quiet agreement. Where has the anticipation of getting snail mail all gone? Or how sending a special someone or relative a Fiesta Greeting or Hallmark card feels like a grand surprise by itself? When do you remember making a hand written note, that (for a change) is not a reminder for work?

The way of the world has changed all these. Somehow technology has plagued our existence, and has made personal communication easier, but rather impersonal. Chat windows become substitutes for real coffee break conversations or leisurely dinners out. We are all guilty of this. Relegating friendship affectations with a smiley icon or a hugging one, if you feel fuzzy about them. Sympathizing with a girl friend’s fairytale love turned tragic Gossip girl material with a sad face, or long well-crafted words of encouragement. At those moments, you feel you’ve helped them big time. And in those moments, they felt you really REALLY cared. No hugs required. No pats on the back needed. No rushing to their side in haste. Somehow, friendships lived through this and surprisingly, grew deeper even.

People have learned to adjust with life nowadays perhaps? With life whizzing by at a pace we all can’t keep track sometimes. We go with the flow of deadlines, of duties - and rely on this convenient technology of “messengers” and hope against hope it sends our messages across with as much feeling as it can. As if we can virtually fling our compassion, our care, our fondness through the air and finally reach them.

Tonight is an exception though. Silly “smileys” and virtual hugs can’t completely do it for me. A REAL friendly face, with real expressions and real laughter - and serious “in-my-face” advice was what I really needed.

Tonight, up on the 3rd floor, a constant friendship flourishes a wee bit more - and happily, beyond my fancy keyboards.

thoughts |