Hold the Phone

Love. 

Searching for love.

One of the most frustrating, gut-wrenching experiences. It leads to all sorts of anxiety, anticipation, and disappointment {that is until we find the one}. 

A few weeks ago I read this NYT discussion about how Facebook, Twitter, and social media in general is too accessible, and it is inhibiting our awareness of the numerous romantic opportunities we encounter each day. 

Say what?!

Example in the discussion: In check-out line, a guy is unabashedly staring with interest at a girl in line. What does she do? She whips out her iPhone and posts a pity party FB status about her lack of boyfriend.

 ...for every moment that you're checking your Twitter feed, or your so-called friends' updates on Facebook, you're missing another opportunity to connect with somebody in real life … which could be another opportunity to fall in love.
~David Wygant

As a single girl who isn't necessarily on the hunt for Mr. Right, but wouldn't object to meeting him, I was appalled to read this. What kind of girl would rather tweet than throw a couple of flirtatious looks in the direction of a guy who is clearly interested?

Oh, crap. That's me.

Sometimes. Every so often. Occasionally.

I admit it. I use technology as a way to try to avoid awkward conversations. I use it as a defense mechanism to ward off people that might engage me in {dare I say it} conversation if I did not appear otherwise preoccupied. I am guilty of this tactic. Most of us are. We cling to technology like Linus clung to his blanket in every Peanuts comic strip.

But why?!?!?!

A good question. One for which I don't have a good, or even decent, answer. All I can think is that society today would rather retreat to technology than face real-world, real-people problems, encounters, and emotions. 

I posted a video earlier this week showing several unsuspecting strangers forced into conversation and ultimately a common friendship and camaraderie. Their initial awkward exchanges were quickly turned into disbelief that they had common interests, experiences, and even missing teeth. Though none of these turned into romantic encounters, they came out of the situation probably a happier mood than when they first began speaking. I know I always appreciate the casual conversation and well wishes for a good day from a complete stranger at Starbucks. Who knows when that informal comment about the weather or disbelief that the Red Sox lost again could turn into something lasting. We will never know if we don't seek out and take advantage of getting to know our fellow coffee drinkers, grocery shoppers, etc. 

We just have no idea that these friendly, possibly even romantic, rendezvous are even on our radar. Instead of taking the plunge, stepping up and growing a pair, we retreat to the comfort of staring at a LCD screen, scrolling through status updates and creeping on the new baby photos of some girl that was in your high school homeroom freshman year. 

I, for one, don't want to be handicapped by technology.

I want to cherish the small moments in life and give others a reason to smile because it might be the only smile they have all day. This morning, I think I'll even strike up a conversation with the same man who stops for coffee at exactly the same moment I do each day. 

Let's get out there and make a new {maybe momentary} friend today.