Friend On The Fringe

Dear Friend,

I am sending you an old fashioned letter just to let you know that you are in my thoughts each day. That I value your friendship. That I “Like” you.

I know if you used FaceBook or Twitter your status updates would be kind and eloquent. I would know what is blooming in your garden, what quilt or project you are working on and if your car is giving you trouble. But alas, technology has crept up behind you like the roadrunner and with a "BEEP BEEP" has accelerated out of site.

It must be frustrating to feel like you are on the fringe with many of your friends. I have to admit I forget this sometimes until we are together with others and you aren’t privy to some of our conversations.

You see with social networking I know when someone is happy, sad or has gone on vacation. What they think of the weather or a certain TV show. I know what team they are rooting for, and if their dog chewed their couch again. Sometimes it is big news, if the baby has been born or if they sadly lost a loved one. 

Some say it is trivial, mindless information but somehow it keeps us connected. It's like water cooler talk. Sometimes you aren't interested in the conversation but it keeps you in touch and connected.

Many people pooh-pooh social media as a waste of time in front of a computer screen. I understand that perspective. I agree that nothing can replace a phone call or a visit. It’s not for everyone, but the truth is that social networking is here to stay. I enjoy it.

I am a connector who now lives in a quiet rural area. I have found in middle age that our life has become a bit smaller. We don’t have our kids to force us out into the world of hockey practices, camping or just wanting to play Lego with their buddies. With that always came a coffee or a chat with other parents. It was a big part of our social lives.

Now, given the choice we enjoy our quiet home life. Our grown children are now part of our social life and they come first. We do make a point to get out and socialize and enjoy many friends as well. But it isn’t the same. Nothing stays the same does it?

That is why I find social networking so great. We can stay in touch, even if it is by a seemingly meaningless thread of who should win American Idol. It also has broadened our network of people who we never would have stayed in touch with over the years without the ease of life on line.

Therefore, I am mailing this letter to you and putting a reminder in my iCal to call you regularly. You are still important to me and I need to remember to get your live status updates from you. Because heaven forbid, I would never want you to feel you have been “un-friended”.