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I Have Random Thoughts

In this fast paced modern world, where everything is instantaneous, I mourn the loss of intimacy. Gone are the days of hearing the human voice via the telephone. In the not too distanced past, a death or birth announcement was conveyed through personal contact. The kings and queens of old dispatched news through the use of messengers, who risked life and limb to impart matters of urgency. The receiver knew its importance by the waxed imprimatur, sealing its contents from prying eyes. He knew its meaning and hastily readied a response. His loyalty was to king and crown and he made haste to carry out the missive.

Letter writing continued throughout the ages, when women scented their letters to their loves across the seas who waited patiently for news of their beloved. It is in the waiting that longing increases. An email today, in its lightening fast speed, does not hold any element of surprise, their is no personal touch, no body language to read and no voice to hear.

I would not want to hear of a loved ones passing through social media where personal contact is lost.
To offer condolences in a time like this, is to feel the raw emotions of the one who hurts, to hear their grief and to offer solace. There is a big difference in typing "whispers" I feel your loss, to actually hearing it.

The human touch that many crave is to deny intimate moments. To sit across from a love interest over dinner is the height of intimacy. To see the look in his eyes, to feel his hand in yours, to hear his declarations of passion, Is lost in the computer age.

Perhaps we as a society would not be so leery of others, if the element of face to face contact would be restored. It is more difficult to mask ones feelings in reality than to hide behind a computer screen. I vote for the return of social graces, where class and elegance ruled the day. Where a letter received would brighten the receiver's day. Where human contact would once again alleviate suffering. Technology is a true gift where speed is concerned, but it pales to time tested intimacy...where the human condition craves that personal touch.
lasergraph · 70-79, M
I completely agree. We have gained technology but have lost family and friends. When people do get together they are so busy on their phones they can't talk.
lasergraph · 70-79, M
@Raffie: The world moves at an ever increasing pace. Even faster as you age.
Raffie · 61-69, F
And as we age, we need a slower pace to savor life's accomplishments and retain its memories.@lasergraph:
lasergraph · 70-79, M
@Raffie: I write books. It gives me a chance to intermix memories with fiction and at least they will live on.
Magenta · F
🏆 Best post of the week. :-)

I think Internet cyber connection/interaction is actually unnatural. Not the natural way we were intended to connect. It's just instant and easy.

Maybe the internet is a lot like medication/drugs...it has a feel good effect initially, but in the long run the side effects are horrible, lol.
Peaches · F
@Magenta: You hit the nail on the head with that statement!!!😯🔨💥
Magenta · F
Lol, Peaches, now I'll have to bandage up your sore head. 🤕

Thank you. 🎀
Peaches · F
@Magenta: Save it for all the narcissist...thank [b]you.😏[/b]
SW-User
I miss those days too, now children have everything at the finger tips, instantly, so unhealthy. They do not know any other way. I so agree with your post! Its a shame.
Raffie · 61-69, F
@Butterflykiss75: yes, so sad what we have become...sigh!
Peaches · F
Love this!💓So very true and sad. I send out cards all the time and seldom get any back. My friend told me just the other day how lovely it was to get a card in the mail and that I was the only one that still does that?!😟I miss the neighborhood get together's on the weekends to bar-b-q and have a few laughs. What are we doing to ourselves in this so called "modern world?!"🌏 If I could reach out and hug you I would....🤷⭐
bowman81 · M
@Peaches: That we can reach out and "cyber hug" those who we would never have met, or known at all....the advantage. The fact that it is but a "cyber hug", is the pity.

The net opens possibilities but it is up to us to close the deal.
Peaches · F
@Raffie: Yes it REALLY is❣🌸😌
Peaches · F
@bowman81: Yeah?!😉Ya wanna make a deal, haha?!🦉
sunrisehawk · 61-69, M
Well said. The challenge as I see it is to find ways to retain some of the personal touch without abandoning technology.

Sites like this one or Facebook can create new friendships, but often reduces relationships to superficial and shallow levels. The question is how to strengthen relationships and delve as deep as possible into expanding our circle outside our immediate community.

To sit across from a friend and look them in the eye, share laughter or tears, and to listen without caring about a clock is true friendship.

To develop more that just friendship, a love and intimacy there must be far more than just words along the way. I do like email as it hides my 5th grade handwriting, but yes snail mail still has a place.

Great post.
Raffie · 61-69, F
Human touch cements the bond between others and it is what is truly needed today in a society that views everything as disposable....less tech and more cohesiveness....@sunrisehawk:
GJOFJ3 · 61-69, M
Excellent points all.
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Raffie · 61-69, F
@seeandhear: yes, so true....but technology will never replace intimacy, which we all crave. Alas, gone are the days of wine and roses replaced by emojis.
Abandoned95 · 26-30
a truer statement there not be
FeetAreFantastic · 41-45, M
This is all very true and very well written if I may add.
If you ask my opinion: I think the Internet is one of the worst inventions of all time. Yes, it has many benefits and yes, I cannot do without myself now. But the pros don't outweigh the cons and when you really think about it, there was never an actual problem that needed 'solving' with the internet.
We could do everything we can do now, only slower.
Raffie · 61-69, F
@FeetAreFantastic: I agree with you 100 percent!

 
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