Friends
Are friendships becoming more complicated these days? It's true that digital tools have made it easier to stay in touch, but they've also introduced new layers of complexity. Without the vocal cues and body language of face-to-face interactions, text messages can easily be misinterpreted. A simple "OK," for instance, might come across as indifferent or annoyed, depending on the recipient's mood and the context.
The expectation for quick replies adds another challenge. When messages aren't answered promptly, it can lead to feelings of impatience and frustration. This pressure can strain friendships, making people feel neglected or undervalued when responses are delayed.
However, real friendship cannot be measured by written messages, emojis, or the speed of response, can it? True friendship is felt in the heart and grows over time, like a fine red wine. It requires patience, forgiveness, compassion, and, as my grandfather used to say, sometimes a short memory, to let go of minor incidents and focus on what truly matters.
Recently, a friend I don’t see regularly and hardly chat with called me after a long time. Yes, on my landline phone. What a strange ring! I told her, "My dear Nadine, I thought of you and our friendship. We don’t talk frequently, but the feeling that you are there is still so present. Children don’t need their parents 100% present all the time—when they play, when they go to school—no, they need to feel that their parents are there. This is how our friendship feels."
In the whirlwind of digital interactions, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Real friendships aren't measured by the frequency of messages but by the depth of connection and the assurance that someone is there, even in silence. So, let's cherish the friends who stand the test of time and digital noise, and remember that sometimes, a simple call can bridge the gap that countless texts cannot.