I remember the first time I learned about texting was at
my old cottage with one of my BFF’s who was texting a friend at the campfire.
I was intrigued. At the time I had kind of decided it was
not for me….but boy did I change my mind.
Texting is such an efficient way to communicate and
really nurtures relationships as far as I am concerned. Since I became a texter,
I have had so many more close and fulfilling relationships. I know I sound like
a Generation Y trying to convince you of the benefits of technology when really
when you think of it a one liner is more alienated than a real conversation or
an in person meeting? However for me it is the difference between closeness and
distance for so many of my relationships.
A text has a sense of urgency that a phone msg or an
email does not inherently have I feel. People who are good texters I feel often
make awesome friends too.
And I am not an obsessive texter, and I try my best not
to be addicted. I have to force myself to put hard limits on when and where I text
(aka on weekend check phone not more than 3 times per day, at work mostly
answer to texts only from my boss or over lunch hour, never put alerts on texts
during family evening and dinner times , never keep phone by bed, never text when working unless working late at night etc..) if you don’t
put these limits this would be seriously addictive. Just like anything else I
do-texting has it’s time and place.
But I do find I have found my balance as a way to enhance
my life rather than detract or distract and it really has made my life happier
and fulfilled over all I would have to say. It feels as decedant and indulgent as any good cupcake.
I have a number of friends I text with. And we support each
other through texts, humor each other, solve the world’s issues, and
generally keep each other up to date. Some of my most important conversations
have been had on text as crazy as that may seem…and for me it is a tool of companionship,
closeness and warmth.
I text my husband and kids too. It’s my favorite part of the
day when the boys text me afterschool to tell me they are home safely and we
have a little chat. My husband and I text when I travel for business and that
is also a highlight. I have my texting buddy who we have very emotional conversations
over texts and make important decisions about our lives, I have my text friend
who send me almost love notes and letters and affirms our friendship many times
per week, I have my texting buddy who makes me laugh and cry and reflect by
text and keeps us close and connected
even with distance between us, and a few who literally bring me to tears with
their comments and crisis in life that are sometimes so funny the way they recount
them it’s like watching a good sitcom. And a couple of friends from work…who just
get it ALLl…life would not be the same without them. Mom and I text too:)
Im convinced
that I have made more and better friends over the last two years because of this form of
communication. Three of my newer friends I am not sure we have ever even had a
phone conversation on the phone ever. When I think about it that is crazy!
So do I wish I had the time to talk all these amazing
people on the phone more often? Yes I do! Do I wish I saw these lovely ladies
more often in person? Yes I do!
But the reality is I do not have that time very often and
so I have decided to embrace reality and “love what is”. And it works super
well for me anyways (and I guess for them since they still lovingly text me
often).
And I do make time for my friends and family in person
it is a huge priority for me and something that I have always done well. I do
birthdays and Thursday nights out, family movie nights, Mom and daughter
dinners, spa weekends, girls nights out and lots of parties and get together at
our cottages or theirs. Friends and family are everything to me and Texting
could never replace these people events but it certainly enhances them.
Texting is an easy way to assess where someone’s
priorities are too. If they can’t find 2 seconds to write you back….you kinda
get the message you are not a top priority right? It serves as a great check in
with reality.
Texting as far as I am concerned rocks. Sso do the girls (and boys)
with whom I text. It had made my life richer and better and I will be
forever grateful.
So nightie night btw and cu in 2moreo. Tessa! And lol bc
u know it’s 4ever bebe. hahahh
