Communication

The art of communication has evolved over time to accommodate the needs of the communicators. But in this day and age of technology and instant gratification, our method of communication has become more about right now rather than right way.  The communicator of today sends brief messages and quick updates. The letter went wayward ages ago and even the phone is no longer the preferred or primary method of communication.  Instead we choose 140 word sounds bites, status updates and the ever-popular text messaging.

The problem becomes when an entire relationship is built around those snippets of communication.  We no longer spend time getting to know the intricacies of the other person; no longer communicate our needs, wants and desires.  Instead, the late night phone call is replaced by alerts sounds and romance becomes the norm in the form of “sexting”.  Communication becomes arms length and true human contact is replaced by the multipurpose communication device that we all own.  

The circle then becomes complete in these whirlwinds, when one party realizes that they really know nothing about the other person and it is time to end it.  And just like the unforgettable Berger Post-it, we receive that ever humiliating, hurtful and even confusing text, "I'm sorry, I can't, don't hate me."

So the question begs to be answered, can we really have a meaningful and lasting relationship when by our own actions, we settle for less meaningful and lasting communication?

Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Communication is still the key no matter the way, shape or form.  The good news is that we are communicating.  The bad news is, that we don’t always know how.  And of course, one must always remember that sometimes, it is not the method of communication that falls short, but quite simply, the actual communicator.

-- quote from Sex and the City Season 6, Episode 6