Everybody needs somebody because interactions are important to our well-being.
I am not much of a party-goer, but that does not mean I don’t enjoy getting together with friends. I am comfortable with large crowds and being “on stage” thanks to my career as a sales trainer, which involved both one-on-one discussion and addressing large groups and, often, heated arguments with them.
There was a time when I believed that the best interaction was one that was in person. But I’d be crazy to be fixated on that, what with technology bringing the entire world into my living room or any place I want to meet someone. While it is ideal to be able to hold hands and squeeze someone I love into a tight hug, I am grateful that I have the next best thing–video calling–to stay close to those who are scattered across the world.
For me, in person interactions are the best
When I think back on the times when we did not even have a telephone at home and the only way to meet friends and family was by showing up in person, I have to say I love technology. How else would I be able to talk to my son every day or see him whenever I wanted via video calls?
I considered myself part-introvert and part-extrovert, depending on the situation, until I learned the word ambivert, which fits me as snugly as my sari blouses.
At family gatherings, I am happy. At official gatherings, I am happy. And when I meet a bunch of kids, I am happy. I am equally happy chatting with the cab driver, the bus driver, the storekeeper, and just about anyone ready for a chat. I genuinely enjoy listening to people. While my family loves to tease me about how I can strike up a conversation with anyone, I realize that I probably inherited that quality from my grandma and mom.
As I recall, at various times in my life, I wanted to be a volunteer, a nurse, or a tour guide — all of which involved interacting with people.
In general, engaging, to me, is a delicate balance between the excitement of meeting new people and the deep connections I have with my close friends.
While the energy of a party and the thrill of discovering someone’s story can be invigorating, I must confess that I feel especially inspired by the intimate conversations with those I am fond of and hold in my heart. It is probably the resonance of shared history and that understanding that only comes with close friends that has the power to uplift.
Then there’s the humor and being able to get away with saying or doing anything without pausing to wonder what they may think.
I love the extra dimension that the internet has brought to engagement. Sure, there’s social media and doomscrolling, but there’s also the happy part where one can actually connect with like-minded folks and have a nice conversation…and build friendships. I love meeting people with diverse perspectives. I mean, how else would I make friends across the world?
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting friends I had met online via blogging over ten years ago in person for the first time. It was heartwarming that we had a wonderful time, and it felt like we’d always known each other. I have met quite a few online friends in real life, and it is wonderful how it has brought us even closer.
There is a richness in face-to-face interactions, though. The nuances of one’s expression, body language, the warmth of a shared moment, the joy of physical presence — all of it contributes to a whole new level of connection. What an immersive experience!
So if I were asked what my idea of the ideal engagement was, I’d say that it would be a harmonious blend–the excitement of meeting new people intertwined with the understanding I have with my close personal connections. I acknowledge the value that every interaction brings and embrace human connections, both online and in person.
Also, I enjoy collecting smiles. And I enjoy making the effort to set people at ease and listen to their life stories if it makes them feel better.
I remember something funny in this context. We had some awful neighbors who were nosy and rude. I smile when I recall my mom once saying that I should pray that these neighbors are so happy that they wouldn’t have time to harass us.
I try my best to be kind in my interactions, and I enjoy helping people. I like to think that I am making the world a better place. Moreover, relationships make our lives happier, don’t they?
What is your opinion of digital vs in-person interactions? Do you prefer one over the other?
