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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.
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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: