That is not an easy question to answer is it? We're all plugged into some things and some people and not so much for others. Some we like to bond in-person, some in a group and some over the phone. And most over social media! When you say you are friends with someone, asking 'friend friend or Facebook friend?' has become common!
None of this means we are connected to the people and committed to the bonds we have created. And so many we go through more as a burden. I find myself grimacing when some people call or text- I know I have to answer, if not right away in a little bit, but I don't really want to! And others it is so easy to lose touch, especially if you have nothing in common, beyond whatever classes we were taking or common neighborhood or dorm situation ended.
Some of us are lucky to have that one friend from school or college who has stuck with us, in spite of who we are and have become! And then there are those groups who get together for Friday drinks or Thursday book club or even go for trips to exotic places. But how connected are we to those people? Would we call them in our time of need? Do we really care about their endless stories about their kids or cats or career woes? Social media allows us to be as dialed out as we want, you can be a part of a group, or several groups and really not say anything at all!
With the world in lock down now, we are all scrambling to find ways to connect with friends and family...but as we talk about hanging out with family via virtual means, we also realize, we're doing things we didn't really do during normal times! We're doing virtual parties and family reunions, but did we really do that otherwise? And do we really feel connected to the people? Or are we looking for ways to assure ourselves that we are all indeed still amid humanity and that we're not alone! How connected will we stay with these people once 'regular' life starts?? I don't know and I know this is something I will always wonder about! So really, how connected are we?
Thes are difficult days and the need to be connected and assured is keenly felt by one and all. No exception .But then connectivity is not something that can be obtained inn the market . It is a human quality that has to be developed by everyone. It is not like the electrical connection where you can switch on and off.
Connectivity comes with the ability to get on, tolerate and react with each other. Communication is totally different from connectivity. In today’s world, with the ability to delete, redraft and edit one’s thoughts and words and the social media overworking communication is having its golden days.
Alas, in times of difficulty ,or inability to cope with things one needs connectivity to open up and share fears or seek honest guidance .otherwise , one does not feel comfortable. One should be able to just call and say hey i am feeling bored or down cheer me up. That is possible only when one is connected.
First and foremost one cannot be connected with all and sundry. It will be awith a chosen few . Such connections, need not be always family. It could be anyone with whom one feels assured. And remember it is a mutual thing. Both should be comfortable with each other
In today’s world, how many have this advantage of connectivity? As it is lacking only we are seeing so much Being talked about on how to cope with the situation.What can be done in this regard is what people should ask themselves.
Sometimes for some reason or the other connections get cut and no.contact will be there. In such cases connectivity would not have been lost. It can be reconnected at any point..The present situation has reconnected many such bonds . That reiterates the fact how connectivity is something that every social being cherishes .
On a personal note I would like to tell how after nearly four decades me and a group of my postgraduate friends reconnected because of a chance initiative by one of my friends. We were a very noisy giggly bright batch and had a connectivity amongst us. But after our exams, we parted ways and none kept in touch . Careers, family responsibilities etc etc overwhelmed us perhaps. But once we connected, <all of us are grandmas twice, thrice over> that connectivity came back of its own. We were once again the giggly girlies. Now we meet once in awhile and our meetings are seen to be believed!!!.And we will not disconnect now that we know what we missed and the value of connectivity.
Why i narrated this incident was reconnectivity is possible if one has the will and inclination. If one does not have connectivity , this is the time to identify and cultivate it. If there is some lost connectivity , identify and reconnect.
There may be many of you having stories and experiences in this regard. Please share it so that it helps others .