Text On A Screen
If I told you to close your eyes and think of a memorable memory, you’ll probably think of an occasion with your friends or family doing something IRL (in real life), never do we think about the time you had that special text conversation with a friend or how you made a big announcement in the group chat. That’s exactly my point. We are wasting memories by spending them on our screens. Think about this for a second before you keep reading. How many important moments or occasions have you spent in text, that would have been better to do face to face?
First off, what do I mean by memories? Well, significant conversations, like the first time you both said “I love you” or when you broke up or when you have an announcement or special news. These are all memories that has gone from a memorable conversation you cherish forever to a few simple texts. And that’s unfortunate, as we’re missing out on so much. And the thing is we don’t even notice it these days as it’s become the norm as it’s more convenient to just sent a text. But the thing is an emoji can never replace a genuine reaction, a few seconds before someone replies can never replace the awkward pauses in real life, and so much more. These are all things I adore and cherish, and which at least for me can never be replaced.
I was going through my photos and I randomly came across screenshots of a conversation I had with my ex. It was a really important conversation and I had completely forgotten about it. I like to believe I have a pretty good memory, but in this case I had forgotten all about it until I saw those screenshots, whereas I remember so many other conversations I had with her IRL. This is what got me thinking. Likewise, I had a few more conversation screenshots that I regretted not having those moments in real life, as I could have met these people IRL to have that conversation. Yes, it would have been awkward or hard to do but still it’s much better than forgetting about it altogether.
Nowadays, I rarely say significant things in chats. I always make it an opportunity to meet them and have a conversation face to face. I’m pretty well-known for that among my friends. Whenever I have something to say, I get all my friends together to make it into a good evening. I do the same whenever someone has something to say to me, I always delay the conversation and make them tell me in person. I can’t tell you how many great memories I have of me making an announcement and the priceless reactions I get from my friends. I cherish those moments, and they are stored picture perfectly in my head.
Physical distance between people sucks, If you’re far apart and can’t reach the other person, text messages are your only option and can be a godsend, as you can keep in touch with everyone close to you. I have nothing against texting. I don’t know where I’ll be without being able to reach all my friends in an instant. But all I’m saying is, If you are going to have an important conversation with a person you always see or someone that is available to meet, you’re doing yourself a disfavor but wasting those moments in chat, so make that extra effort and do it in person.
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