We can all say that our friendships have evolved considerably with the passage of time. Gone seem the days when you and your buddies could plan an outing at the bar or mall at a moment's notice. While we can partly attribute the changes to shifting responsibilities like work and children, there's yet another factor to take into account: technology.
Technology is truly a double-edged sword. While it has made it easier to keep in touch with friends (via email, text, social media, etc), that very convenience has made such friendships much more impersonal.
We're now living in an age where it's acceptable to wish someone a Happy Birthday via text or congratulate him on Facebook for his promotion.
But we mustn't forget that just a few decades ago, we didn't have all this technology at our disposal, leaving us with only three alternatives: phone, letters, or meeting up in person.
Again, while I can certainly see the pluses to digital communication, I think some of us have relied too heavily upon technology -- to the point where we've stopped making the effort to meet up with even local friends. This, unfortunately, dilutes the friendship to a certain degree.
I've noticed that friendships in which people maintain contact only through digital means become somewhat weaker over time, and I'm sure you've experienced this is your own life.
I think friendships require that both people meet up in person at least occasionally. A digital smiley face just doesn't substitute for the real thing. Putting "lol" is no replacement for your friend's infectious laugh.
In other words, friendships need at least a little of the human element in order to remain strong. That's why it's a good idea to arrange get-togethers at least a couple of times a year with our closest friends.
For more posts on understanding people, click here: How to Understand People
Technology is truly a double-edged sword. While it has made it easier to keep in touch with friends (via email, text, social media, etc), that very convenience has made such friendships much more impersonal.
We're now living in an age where it's acceptable to wish someone a Happy Birthday via text or congratulate him on Facebook for his promotion.
But we mustn't forget that just a few decades ago, we didn't have all this technology at our disposal, leaving us with only three alternatives: phone, letters, or meeting up in person.
Again, while I can certainly see the pluses to digital communication, I think some of us have relied too heavily upon technology -- to the point where we've stopped making the effort to meet up with even local friends. This, unfortunately, dilutes the friendship to a certain degree.
I've noticed that friendships in which people maintain contact only through digital means become somewhat weaker over time, and I'm sure you've experienced this is your own life.
I think friendships require that both people meet up in person at least occasionally. A digital smiley face just doesn't substitute for the real thing. Putting "lol" is no replacement for your friend's infectious laugh.
In other words, friendships need at least a little of the human element in order to remain strong. That's why it's a good idea to arrange get-togethers at least a couple of times a year with our closest friends.
For more posts on understanding people, click here: How to Understand People
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