Years ago, when I lived near my closest friends, we did everything together. We would phone chat, visit every other day in person, write those snail mail letters and find any way we could to share every moment.
Being raised as an only child, I had my gals to share everything with. I never had those family moments of ‘remember when’ with a sibling, all my ‘remember when’ moments are with my besties.
We (hubby and I) always had a house full of friends, when the children were younger. We would host one holiday party or birthday event whenever we had the chance. Youth groups were at our house, and whenever anyone wanted to have a gathering “Dan and Shaey’s House” was often the nominated location.
Until one day, Facebook came into my life. Here I could see how my friends were doing in an instant. I could easily share with the nearest and dearest all of my personal happenings, that of course I know they want to know about, and forget that another gaggle of people are seeing every update as well.
I can see how a friend is doing and send a quick reply, checking on her, and it’s as if she is in the room.
Now normally, this may not be a bad thing for some people, but for this girl it is and I will tell you why.
Most of my closest friends, do not live near by. So updating, sharing and checking in on Facebook is so beneficial when best friends are a thousand miles away. But this introvert or rather Fibro flared mama that is exhausted 24/7, makes very little time for relationships in the here or now.
I know lives changed, and we all get busy, but I have completely switched how I relate to most people.
In essence Facebook has become my coffee shop. I share and read the happenings of others there, converse and ‘gossip’ there and even am encouraged. I struggle with energy these days and the ‘doing’ of life. So when I realize the phone no longer rings, or the invites have slowed considerably, it is then that I realize that this computerized friendship world, has robbed me of the face to face interactions. I must make an effort to connect face to face with the ones in my town, in my state, or dare I say it… in my own home.
I will always turn to technology when I can to stay in touch with the far ways, it is a great form of staying connected.
But I must remember to not let Facebook(or technology) be my only. For it is too easy to forget the simple pleasures of expression, touch, and the gift of being together in person.
I have decided, I will look up more often from the screens, and I hope to find someone else smiling at me when I do!
Shaey anthony 