octolilly [through the years]

1. Would you say that you’re good at keeping in touch with people?

I would have to say “no” as far as corresponding by snail mail. I will send the occasional “thinking about you” card and I’ll even mail a postcard a few times but my letters will eventually drift off. What is so strange is that I absolutely love to write letters. There is a 6 page letter to Charity in my notebook that I add to daily but she probably won’t get it for two months.

As far as email goes…yes, I think that I do keep in touch well. If I receive a long heart-felt email today I might not reply until two days later…but I like time to form my thoughts. Perhaps I should immediately send off a reply. Hm.

The issue for me is whether the person I am trying to keep in touch with is doing their part. There are several friends I have right now that I am about ready to give up on. I don’t mean forget them completely…but I have gone out of my way to call/email/chat and it seems to be very one-sided. That is annoying.

2. Which communication method do you usually prefer/use: e-mail, telephone, snail mail, blog comments, or meeting in person? Why?

Email is perfectly fine. Writing forces one to think and so often IM’s are merely “a/s/l?” “how r u?” “what’s up?”…and those are somewhat irritating.

I’ve already discussed how I enjoy snail mail. However, until I learn to be timelier with them I will rely on emails.

Talking on the phone is very enjoyable for me. But, if I talk with someone I want to actually discuss something and not just hang on the phone and listen to a numbing silence.

Blog comments? What’s there to say? I like commenting on other’s blogs and of course I love it when someone comments on mine.

Talking with someone face-to-face is paramount. You can only assume and ponder what someone means when you IM with them or even talk on the phone. In person, you can read body language and look in their eyes. Eyes tell an incredible amount.

3. Do you have an instant messenger program? How many? Why/why not? How often do you use it?

Yes, I have an instant messenger program. I have ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, and MSN. Obviously I have them so I can chat. And, since I am online a good portion of my evenings then I am normally chatting with at least one or two people. Sometimes six.

4. Do most of your close friends live nearby or far away?

Hmm. I have loads of acquaintances that live nearby…and many friends. Yet, my online friendships are growing.

5. Are you an “out of sight, out of mind” person, or do you believe that “distance makes the heart grow fonder”?

I personally dislike distance between friends. It can be such a strain on a friendship. For example, one of my friends is away at college. Before she left we were exceptionally close. We shared practically anything and everything concerning spirituality, men, and life in general. However, she is away now and any attempt I make to keep in contact is not taken. Distance has changed lots between us.

As far as distance with relationships go…that is very unpleasant. I wouldn’t say that it is impossible but it isn’t common. I’m definitely not an “out of sight, out of mind” type person. That is shallow and selfish.