The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Connecting In A Disconnected World

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

January 18, 2012

Communication technology has become so methodical, that I believe it is taking away our social skills

It is almost impossible to find a place to think or work or relax, without having a dozen interruptions from a cell phone, a text message, or a dozen meaningless emails.

Remember the days when we were reprimanded for interrupting someone?

We were taught to wait until our parents were through talking or came home from work or from wherever they were at and then, usually at meal time, discuss the problems or ask the questions.

(Mealtime? What is that ?)

Well, for you young whipper snappers, meal time was the time we came together as a family, usually at breakfast, noon, and then again around 6:00 p.m. to share a meal and discuss the day's activities.

That was before, microwave dinners, protein shakes, McDonald's, and a dozen other fast-food chain stores and 24 hour a day TV.

Today, families think there is no real need to sit down for a meal and visit when you have texted a dozen times and found out what you need to know throughout the day.

My friends' niece came to their home and her young children came in to ask why everyone was sitting around talking in the living room. "We're visiting." she told them. They seemed confused about what visiting was.

There is so much in the eye contact, the laughter and occasional smile that old-fashion visiting brings about besides being closer to family.

We must rekindle those skills that add warmth to our relationships, either at mealtime or sometime during the day, without technology, and no interruptions!