Given the stats on my previous post, and taking into account that I've been here almost 6 years, this leaves a degradation of 90%, leaving my emotional closeness factor at 10%.
Now is that reality? I think so. At least from a personal perspective. Unfortunately, throughout life, friends come and go. Friends I had from my early childhood, to grade school, high school, and even college are no longer in my life. Fortunately enough, I still have friends, as early as my childhood, that I can count on my one hand, that are still in my life.
And when I mean "Friend" I don't mean "Friend" as "Facebook Friend." I mean a friend in its truest sense. Friends that I still keep in touch with, month to month and actually email and communicate with. Not friends where I post on their Facebook wall "Happy Birthday" once a year. I mean friends that I actually share a bit of my life with.
I think with my move here to London, its really shown me who these people really are. Sadly enough, a lot of them have dropped off. As they say, friendship is a two way street. Effort has to come on both sides. I can say I've emailed a few friends a few times, but to no response. (Maybe I should have used Facebook instead.) On the bright side, a handful have stayed in contact despite the distance and lack of "emotional closeness" and I'm very thankful for that.
I think with the age of "social networks" there has been a steep decline of "personal 1:1 communication" and its moved towards a more "egocentric" model. With Facebook and Twitter, people tend to "broadcast" how they are feeling and what they are doing rather than interacting on a personal level. Granted, this model works for some, but for me, I like the personal touch of emails back and forth with "status messages" longer than a Facebook Update or a Tweet. I like reading and asking on how things are going, rather than having "the whole world" read about it. I love video chatting and even using this magical thing called a "phone."
I guess its that bit of personal communication that would keep my "Emotional Closeness" factor from reaching 0%.
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3 comments:
I understand what you mean about this whole "egocentric" deal. Myself personally? I like the Facebook approach to reach a larger audience of former friends, classmates, and certain acquaintances.
But for as for keeping up with the "real" friends, I also prefer a more personal touch. I too enjoy the back and forth messaging to truly stay connected, its the reason I joined Facebook originally. Sadly many people are just into broadcasting their own affairs for whatever reason, and fail to make any real efforts to be in touch. I've given up on many people over the years; It is definitely a two way street.
Hey Chris, just wanted to say early congrats on your wedding, I hope you and Patricia have a wonderful memorable day!!!
You can write.....please share......
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