It is so true. It is why it is so closely linked to longevity. Authentic and genuine relationships are crucial. Many are surrounded by others but still feel empty and lonely. I am not referring to the cliques and silos of nuclear families and respective pods (a type of division that was cemented during Covid). I think true community reaches beyond the echo chambers that most Americans exist in today. It is important for all of us to learn to discern what constitutes quality relationships. To be honest, this was a big learning curve for me recently.
What I define as a friend can’t be managed or achieved with social media. At least, I don’t think so. I try to remain flexible. I once complemented a younger emotionally vulnerable relative who had posted on Instagram and got 260 likes on his post. His response is “Uncle Bob, you are not popular unless you get a couple thousand likes. What a world to live in. Especially because social media popularity is sought after.
It is a sad world when the metric of self worth is dictated by something as shallow as a click on a like button in a virtual world. I think the flex is connecting to the immediate environment around us to find our footing to more humane authentic in real life ways of existing. I have a lot of feelings about like/dislike buttons that fuel our like/dislike ego reflexes. That said, I think technology can be connecting but only when used correctly and when the adverse effects of it are understood and limited.
An important topic. The word friend is broad and sweeps up many people and contacts without a qualifier. Are they close friends, life-long friends, intimate friends, supportive friends, friends with benefits or even fair-weather friends. I am not sure how best to address it because almost any friend is a positive addition to one’s life. I only have a handful of close or intimate friends. I suppose my definition narrowed over time. Facebook friends and Instagram followers are a menagerie of relationships. I wonder if younger generations have become confused about friendship and emotional commitment and intimacy.
I would venture to say that many are confused as to what constitutes authentic relationship and presence. The hidden and not so hidden societal and cultural and personal forces have normalized inauthentic and harmful ways so much that we do not even know what is harmful and what is helpful anymore. Our discernment is disturbed.
Your words feel like nourishment we're all sorely in need of. It's always a joy to slow down and sink into your reflections.
Making social connections provides a web of support that strengthens are coping abilities to deal effectively with life’s challenges.
It is so true. It is why it is so closely linked to longevity. Authentic and genuine relationships are crucial. Many are surrounded by others but still feel empty and lonely. I am not referring to the cliques and silos of nuclear families and respective pods (a type of division that was cemented during Covid). I think true community reaches beyond the echo chambers that most Americans exist in today. It is important for all of us to learn to discern what constitutes quality relationships. To be honest, this was a big learning curve for me recently.
Love Love Love...your words ring true and I had such an amazing visit with you. I cherish our time together!
Your visit was perfectly timed! I take none of it for granted ever. Xo
What I define as a friend can’t be managed or achieved with social media. At least, I don’t think so. I try to remain flexible. I once complemented a younger emotionally vulnerable relative who had posted on Instagram and got 260 likes on his post. His response is “Uncle Bob, you are not popular unless you get a couple thousand likes. What a world to live in. Especially because social media popularity is sought after.
It is a sad world when the metric of self worth is dictated by something as shallow as a click on a like button in a virtual world. I think the flex is connecting to the immediate environment around us to find our footing to more humane authentic in real life ways of existing. I have a lot of feelings about like/dislike buttons that fuel our like/dislike ego reflexes. That said, I think technology can be connecting but only when used correctly and when the adverse effects of it are understood and limited.
I think that is a wise perspective. We need to live in our real world construct.
An important topic. The word friend is broad and sweeps up many people and contacts without a qualifier. Are they close friends, life-long friends, intimate friends, supportive friends, friends with benefits or even fair-weather friends. I am not sure how best to address it because almost any friend is a positive addition to one’s life. I only have a handful of close or intimate friends. I suppose my definition narrowed over time. Facebook friends and Instagram followers are a menagerie of relationships. I wonder if younger generations have become confused about friendship and emotional commitment and intimacy.
I would venture to say that many are confused as to what constitutes authentic relationship and presence. The hidden and not so hidden societal and cultural and personal forces have normalized inauthentic and harmful ways so much that we do not even know what is harmful and what is helpful anymore. Our discernment is disturbed.