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.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
sunlight:
Interesting point! Technology does do its part in facilitating face-to-face conversations, that is right. Webcams may be no substitute for the real thing, but at least you know there’s a real honest person at the end of the other line.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
thanks, toni! no substitute for face-to-face conversation. i work out of the country, but thanks to technology, i can be in touch with friends and loved ones anytime i want. then going home and meeting them once more becomes more cherished. ^_^
May 4th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Ruben:
That sounds like a tricky situation. When it comes to stuff like that, I guess we should listen to what the lawyers have to say.
Annie:
Interesting question. Tough one to answer. I hope you come face to face with the best situation soon!
christine:
I would love that. Looking forward to it!
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I do agree that meeting loved ones face to face is very important. But what if let say you want to reconcile and fix things through a face to face conversation but she doesn’t to see even your shadow. from a problematic husband to a furious wife whose only resolve is legal separation
April 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
A hug, a touch of the hand, a wink, a smile — these cannot be bridged by techie conversations. It’s frustrating for me and my family. It’s one of those hidden costs for working abroad. It makes me think at the end of the day, is it all worth it when life is too short?