Write For You

DOES ANYONE TALK ANYMORE?

Computers and texting have helped make most of us talk with our fingers and not our vocal chords.  I’ll bet the statistics of laryngitis conditions have dropped significantly over the last five years.  I’m one of the main culprits to those stats.  Okay, as a professional writer, I’m supposed to write and type resumes, poems, letters, etc. but I’m also sitting here typing a blog to you!


Of course, for many years, television has had its share of the blame.  Most of us watch hours and hours of it - although some people are in denial.  Yes, it’s funny, but when you’re with a group of people (and actually talking) there seems to always be a few that don’t admit to watching television.  You should take note of those folks, because chances are, if you converse with them at a later date and indirectly bring up the topic of Hollywood, they can usually offer a lot of feedback.  Hmm, why is that?


How about those video games?  It seems most homes now have at least one device that offers gaming.  It’s just another time consumption item that takes away from personal conversations.


Next, there’s email and chatting forums, like Facebook.  Again, I’m a culprit of both.  Nowadays, though, emails seem to be a secondary option compared to Facebook or Twitter.  I currently belong to Facebook, and always want to check and read most people’s updates.  I state “most people’s” because there are some that get totally carried away and like to dramatize every inch of their actions (that's for another blog.)


Lastly, there’s reading novels.  Surprise!  Yes, reading novels!!  If you're alone during your reading time, this doesn't apply but if others are there (not reading) then you are guilty of lessening the opportunity to converse with others.


Now, I’m not suggesting in any way, that people should not text, blog, watch television, play video games, email, chat, or read novels.  My point is that we all need to ensure we set time aside and “talk” once in a while to those we love.  There are many options we can do:

-Talk while you’re watching or scanning through the commercials.
-Sit next to your loved one as you type and get them involved in forming the wording or commenting on the two-way chats.
-For every third email intended for one person, pick up the phone and try the old-fashioned “chat” option.
-Arrange your time to the best advantage to help create  further opportunities to talk once in a while.

Try some of the above-mentioned options, or come up with your own.  Don’t let electronics completely take over this precious life we've each been given.  I’m trying – as I’m writing this blog during a short timeframe while my loved ones aren’t present.