Long Distance Relationships + Technology: The Real Deal?
Here at Leftos, we’re beginning to notice that long distance relationships aren’t what they used to be.
Between technological innovations like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, AIM and Texting aka Sexting (to name a few), the need for a telephone for its actual use (to make phone calls) has become obsolete.
Instead of quickly punching in 10 numbers to make that phone call, those in long distance relationships opt to click their way through the process. An e-mail in the place of a phone call, a Facebook wall post in the place of a now-outdated text message. Technology is overlapping itself and it’s changing the way we do relationships.
So, is that good? Or is that bad? Kristin Kalning, games editor for msnbc.com, might say that it’s both.
She speaks with Jocelyn Bessard, a stay at home mom who met her match on an online social networking site.
Bessard says when communicating via instant messaging technology, “you’re forced to write, and be descriptive, and reveal more of yourself to that person than you would face to face”.
Good part of long distance relationships that capitalize on technological advancements: writing can give your partner a descriptive and creative insight as to who you are and what you’re really like.
We have to ask, really??
What is a relationship if you don’t want to have a conversation in person, or, god forbid, on the phone?! Yes, Jocelyn, you certainly have a “relationship”, but we’re not sure how complete it is.
Bessard says that lack of “completeness” ended her relationship.
She tells Kalning, “Every human being longs for some physical interaction with the person they love, even if it’s just a smile. You can’t get that through pixels so easily. Everything we thought we could convey through looking at a screen … something was missing. I couldn’t get a hug if I had a bad day and ultimately, that’s what ended it.”
Everyone needs a hug sometimes, Jocelyn, and we’re glad you realized that.
Our take on technology and relationships is this: it’s convenient, it’s easy and it makes logical sense.
But…
If you want to have a successful long distance relationship there needs to be enjoyable conversation, giddiness at the first hint of the other’s voice, a yearning for lust, a hug, a kiss. Twitter and Facebook won’t cut it in those departments, people.
We think you should get creative. Send a naughty package or picture or text message. Unless you’re Tiger Woods or Kim Kardashian, you can get away with it. You were thinking it so we’ll go ahead and say it: get a little kinky.
Tweet, post and Skype away, folks, but don’t let those be the dependent variables in your long distance relationship.
