Keeping The Communication Lines (Sorta) Open

My daughter-who-will-remain-nameless-here leaves a plaintive message on my cell phone: “Where are you? How come you are not answering my e-mails?” And therein lies the difference between the generations.

I consider myself fairly savvy Internet-wise; I make all my plans via e-mail, order shoes from Zappos, research stuff for work and home, and keep up with friends local and not. But when it comes to substantive conversations, my feeling is, that’s why God invented the phone.

My daughter prefers computer-based communication. For instance, she’ll ask via e-mail: “Should I drive two hours away for a job interview?” Well, that’s just not enough information for me to help her make an informed decision. So I call her and get her voice mail. And she e-mails me back and I’m not near the computer. And we could do this dance back and forth for a couple of frustrating days.

Unless, of course, the message is “I need an emergency infusion of cash.” Somehow, whatever it takes – cell phone, landline, smoke signals, or carrier pigeon – rest assured, then she'll manage to track me down.

Comments

I love email communication vs. phone. Maybe because I work in a call center and have to deal with phone issues all day.....I am even currently embroiled in email wars with my mother...it is easier to express myself clearly in writing when I am too exhausted to speak.

u r funny

I guess I'm just old school because I'd rather see you face to face to talk, or call you on the landline if it's really important. I have a cell phone, but hardly use it. I have email, but just use it to forward cute emails to just a few select friends, and my brother. I'm just not a techno freak like a lot of people I know. When my cell rings I know there must be a life or death situation going on. I work for an attorney, and after answering the phone and talking to people all day, I'm pretty much sick of the phone. Like I said I'm pretty old school, no cool gadgets for me. I could care less. Just give me the basics and I'll do just fine.

I agree, I spend so much time on my computer for wor,once in a while I would actually like to hear another human voice. My daughter however is all about emails. I guess I am glad that I hear from her.

I actually met my boyfriend online, and who would've thought, even 10 years ago, that such a thing was "humanly" possible?! We've come a long way, baby (thanks to technology!).

I'm not huge on technology, but I was excited the other day when I learned how to 'text'. It wasn't something I had really tried. But, it comes in handy. I'm a mom of 4, i'm in school getting my Business Degree, so I'm in classes all day. If the kids, or my husband need to get a message to me, I leave my phone on vibrate, and they can text me. I can't always take a call, so this works well.
I do email alot. It's like killing a bunch of birds with one stone when I'm on line doing my banking, shopping, etc, and I can email a quick hello to 20 people on my list. Sometimes I just don't have the time to sit down and call someone. This at least lets them know I am thinking of them. Of course, I would rather see people in person, but these days, it's just not always possible. And alot of my friends have moved to other Provinces. This is just easier for me.
I can agree that technology has taken alot of the 'personality' out of communication, but we lead such busy lives nowadays. It's just nice to have that shortcut.

I like e-mail because I'm not always very good at expressing myself verbally, especially over the phone. With e-mail you can sit down and take the time to think out what you want to say. I'd say that's why I use e-mail MORE often for important discussions, while the phone I use for quick "hi, I'll be there in five" type talk. I actually hate talking on the phone, and avoid it at all costs. Then again, I'm in my early 20's, so I guess it really must be a generational thing! :)

That's hilarious! I hardly ever answer my phone and my mom fusses at me a lot for that.
melancholy_baby, I have the same problem. I express myself so much better in writing. Though if I actually need to talk to someone, I'll call them rather than email them.

The other day, my son text-messaged me from another room in the house to ask me to close a particular door. Firstly, why didn't he just communicate the old- fashioned way that parent and child communicated - by shouting?
Secondly, why did he text message me versus "calling" me?
Finally WHY DIDN'T HE JUST DO IT HIMSELF?????