I don’t get emails from my friends anymore. We went from one new technology to another one so quickly. Now everyone seems to be on Facebook or some other social meeting spot. Including me, of course. But now I’m starting to feel the communication shifting in a negative direction. Sound bytes are thrown around and things are “liked”…but where is the connection exactly? I giggle at some of the posts I read, I get a great new song recommendation, I see a video that makes me laugh out loud, I get a glimpse into people’s lives through photos. Yet I still don’t feel like I’m really connecting anymore.

And it’s not like I’m really longing for email, either. I’d actually prefer more of the in-person stuff, ya know. It’s not possible with all relationships, certainly, but if I live just miles from someone, why not? I’d much prefer having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with a friend than sharing a few sentences online that just don’t feel as meaningful.

I got a little bit of that in the month of December, and it was nice. I guess if I’m going to look forward to 2011 and make a resolution, which I tend to steer clear of, I’d resolve to try to make more time for the people in my life. People managed to make connections before the computer, even before telephones. So I know it’s possible. And for the friends who aren’t nearby — or even those I’ve actually met online — I’ll simply try to reach out more to them. I may even send them an email…gasp!