Why It's Important To Keep In Touch With The People From Your Past
It's a pretty advantageous time for members of Generation-Y to enter the real world. Networking has largely fallen into the hands of social media and technological innovation.
The nature of society's communicative tendencies is streamlining at what seems like a constant rate; kindergartners know their ABC’s, 123’s and emojis.
Our tech-savvy generation is continuing to spin an opportune web of connections: FaceTime, Linkedin, Twitter -- you name it, we do it. The ability to keep in touch with people is literally at our fingertips.
There's no doubt that virtual connection is more instantaneous and glorified than ever — and why not? Innovation has made life in this aspect. I can update my résumé and notify potential employers of it in seconds, all from the palm of my hand.
Similarly, I can let everyone know via Instagram how great of a time I had vacationing in Mexico. This fast-paced mode of communication has allowed us to keep others updated no matter how far from them we actually are, but it has also made us more self-absorbed.
It's easy to get caught up in technology, but while it may allow for an exciting dynamic, it’s not entirely to our benefit to move at the fast rate of innovation.
The troubling part is that while I can check my bank statement on my iPhone practically blindfolded, I can't remember the last time I talked with my best friend from high school.
When was the last time I called my parents, other than to beg them to help pay for textbooks? Did I forget to wish my cousin a happy birthday?
It's a startling realization to know that I can reach someone with the touch of a button but may have neglected people from my past while I was caught in a forward-moving pursuit.
It's important for Generation-Y to remember how to keep in touch. This does not solely mean having access to material resources that allow us to move forward, technologically speaking. It's time to think, “Am I making the most of my ability to communicate?”
Parents
A call to your mom or dad means more to her or him than you probably realize. While it may seem trivial to you to let them know of that A you got on your philosophy midterm or pick up the phone just to talk, don't disregard the notion that those who have known you the longest are often the proudest.
While it is thrilling to discover independence by means of paying a first monthly rent or managing to not burn a tuna casserole, there is no shame in sharing these small victories.
Entering adulthood is a new chapter of change and discovery in life that is very personal, but where would you be without those who taught you what you know?
We too often forget that increasing our birthday candle count means that older generations are doing the same. Let's not forget to let those who have witnessed other pivotal points of our lives in on the newest milestones.
Hey, parents know more than you think. Maybe they weren't busy keeping up with the Kardashians at age 20, but their wisdom about making the uncertain transition into adulthood is beyond valuable.
Old Friends
No one can deny that the friendships you strike are important. Establishing the direction of your life can be a beautiful aspect of growing up, but not everyone's paths will overlap.
It's easy to lose touch with old friends and we're all guilty of doing it. You're not the only one wrapped up in your new life.
Before you know it, your childhood neighbor will be engaged and your senior prom date will have a new life halfway across the country. It's as easy for us as it is startling to discover these events on some newsfeed.
While technology seemingly allows us to stay better in the loop, it doesn't always nurture personal, warm communication. The fleeting nature of childhood is all the more severe when we don't keep in touch with these old friends; catching up after so much passed time isn't always easy.
Similarly to parents and guardians, past friendships had a formative part in your growing up process. You never know when you'll need someone who knew the headgear-wearing, ugly duckling version of you.
Sometimes, because growing up can be more scary than fun, you’ll need a phone call with someone who hugged you after your first break-up or who pinky-promised you to stay BFFs forever.
