WHEN was the last time you opted for a conversation face-to-face over a phone call or an e-mail? Admittedly, keeping in touch with friends through text messaging and e-mail is more convenient. You don’t need to set a date to converse. In between meetings, in between chores, you and a friend can swoon over your latest celebrity crushes or talk about current events. All it takes is punching in letters, numbers, and the “Call” or “Send” button.
Nothing compares to having that conversation for real, though, catching those words as you see them pour out of your friend’s mouth. Nothing compares to seeing your friend’s eyes glisten as she talks about her wedding, or going for high fives in between talks with your buddy. Then there are the hugs and kisses, the handshakes and gestures. So much emotion can be conveyed without the use of words.
With face-to-face time, there’s also the fact that you both made time to meet. It shows how you value each other’s presence even more. Even with all the rushing and the work, sharing a cup of coffee with a friend is a welcome breather, a much-needed reconnecting with your loved ones, even yourself.
Think about it — how do we really know how someone is if we don’t see them? Words can say a lot and can mean anything. While words can express thoughts, they can also be used to mask emotions. Seeing someone right before your eyes can help do without those word masks. See for yourself, and believe.
True, we can’t be face-to-face with our loved ones all the time. But do make the effort and see the difference. Much can be said without words, and only being with your friend in the flesh can help you understand that.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:23 am
this is so true, toni. hopefully on our next trip to manila, we’ll get to chat in person!
oh and amelie would love to meet you in person, too. 
April 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Allan Roy:
“Alive.” Exactly. Face to face conversations have so much life. Now why would you want to trade that for keyboard characters?
Susan:
Wow, good luck with the book!
Tibomd:
A connection just becomes more real when you’re face to face, giving one more reason to nurture it well.
Dr. Emer:
See you next week!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I totally agree! I mean, no amount or degree of technological advancements can ever substitute a very good face to face conversation. It’s more real, alive, reassuring and heartwarming to see and hear the person you are talking to in person.
With such process, think of the relational value and quality one can create between them and other people. Afterall, good and strong relationships among people are end-results or product of qualitative as well as quantitative time and effort investment.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Toni,
You hit the nail on the head: there is nothing like a face-to-face meeting, conversation, encounter to build relationships with colleagues, clients, family or friends. No matter how many emoticons we use with a smiley face, that shared laughter is incomparable.
OF course, I am of the same mind as you…especially since I just finished my new book: Face to FAce: How To Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World! The digital options are fabulous so that we can stay in touch globally. But if we can’t set that F2F time, at least we can pick up the phone and share our voices, tone and laughter.
Glad you wrote this entry !
April 24th, 2008 at 9:55 am
you’re right! nothing can replace the face to face conversation wherein you can develop and nurture your interpersonal relationship with somebody. No amount of SMS or E-mail can replace the personal presence of somebody you would want to be with!