Recently I got a face-tube account (what the husband calls facebook). I don't know how I really feel about this. On the one hand it has been super fun to check out pictures of friends, their kids, and get a peek into their lives. I even had coffee the other day with my little sister from my sorority (haven't seen her in 26 years!) It has been super fun to stalk old high school boyfriends, college friends etc... and see how they have aged:) On the other hand, it made me realize how much I missed during the years I didn't have facebook - and kind of made me a little peeved to be honest. I see how easy it is to post a picture and have everyone see it versus take the time to draft an individual email... but, still I felt discluded.
With all of our moves in the 20 years we've been married, I have definitely learned who my good friends are... and I hold those of you who make an effort to keep up very dear to my heart. But, this year, I have been struggling and feeling for most of my friends it has been my effort to keep up. I had to make a decision to keep on being the one who makes the effort or just give up and lose touch. So, I got the facebook thing. And really, I think it is so stupid that this is how we are communicating. One line posts, photos, clicking a button to say you 'like' (i.e. read) someone's post. It seems so superficial.
Don't get me wrong, I am the first to post a bunch of pics and text about what I am doing. I see how to play the game now. I just don't like it.
I want a personal note/email telling me what you are up to once in a while. I would love a phone call to catch up and laugh about old times. It may be that I haven't really found any great friends since our move to New Mexico. It may be that at almost 45, I have been reflecting back on life and friendships. I don't know. What I do know, is that I miss the 'old days' of chatting on the phone, getting a note in the mail, or getting photos of your kids/animals as they grow up. I love that connection and I just don't think social media is a great place to keep it.
Never fear - I'll do the facebook thing. I'll send emails. I'll call you. I love you guys! I guess those of us who move frequently have a different view of friends. It's hard to be the one who leaves, 'cause the ones left behind still have their friends there. The one that leaves has to start all over again and that can be good, but also a long road.
If you want to be my facebook buddy... find me at anniegard (my incognito name per my husband's request). Can't have those old boyfriends looking me up you know:)
Well said.
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