I don’t know about others, but in our very busy world, phones appear to be self-imposed lifelines. People are so connected to their phones, I’m concerned we are losing some interpersonal connection.
Don’t confuse this concern with a lack of understanding or appreciation of the many values our modern phones have in daily life. We have such immediate access to communication, help, information, and so much more. All the value comes from how much is available right in our hands and at such speed. I have great appreciation for all that we can access. Albeit, these devices also come as constant, easy distractions.
In addition to having these differences, we also have very busy lives. Some people have multiple jobs, others have sports activities or hobbies, children, and many other areas of life that take up time.
Life is busy. It’s hard to find time for one another. Yet, we don’t always effectively spend time together and build strong bonds. It’s odd then to see two people sitting, even next to one another, talking to one another. Usually, each person is separately on their phone.
Such an interesting world we live in. Even together, we live such separate lives. And as we separate, the question becomes, how much connection do we lose with one another?
Modern life has given us many reasons to live within such opposites. These opposites of living next to one another yet each separately on devices, so close but too busy to find time together. Even when living close by, we can still become disconnected. For some, disconnection is so significant that even simple politenesses are thinly used.
Human connection is a fundamental biological and psychological necessity that directly impacts physical health, emotional well-being, and overall lifespan. When we connect with others, our brains release oxytocin, often referred to as the love hormone or bonding hormone. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in promoting trust, empathy, and social bonding. Connecting is essential.
Since connection is essential, it seems a stronger way to strengthen our connection would be through showing appreciation.
Of course, an old societal standard is the social norm of using manners, especially a simple “thank you.” I’ve heard from others that they are hearing less and less often people say a simple thanks for social courtesies performed for almost any size courtesy.
It has even been said that courtesies are not done by strangers, family, or friends. Apparently, holding a door open, helping with a pet, carrying something for another, helping a child, and much, much more go unrecognized.
A simple “thank you” shows appreciation for the help, as well as respect and recognition. This is a sign of appreciation. I know it’s been said this is a saying that can be overdone. However, being underappreciated might be a greater disservice.
In my home, my husband frequently buys flowers for me. Not only do these flowers brighten my mood and my appreciation for my husband, but they also show how much he appreciates me. For as long as they last, they are a reminder of one another’s appreciation and love.
On a side note, that appreciation helps melt feelings of frustration and allows them to dissipate at times of strife. I know this is a show of love and appreciation because he tells me, as he’s giving them to me, that he chose a type of flower I’d like, the flowers reminded him of me, that he loves me, or another sentiment.
That verbal message is something I think about when I look at the flowers. I feel appreciated.
Recently, I was approached by an engaged couple who asked what the guides suggested they do to help their relationship. They felt good but still felt maybe there was some advice they needed. They were, like so many, very busy people.
The guides suggested that, in addition to verbal words of appreciation, they send notes of appreciation. And to go even further than notes of appreciation, small gifts.
The woman was a part-time writer. Writing had become secondary in life, and she felt left unacknowledged because of this. He didn’t even realize she felt that way.
It was brought up that he could give her small gifts, like a candy bar for energy, or a note of a household task he would do so she could write. Meanwhile, she had computer skills he didn’t. She admired the work he did. She would send him notes telling him how much she admired the work he did and how she thought of him as being a superhero in his field.
She’d also give him coupons for a certain amount of computer time. He could turn the coupon in and feel better about not taking her away from something because it was time she believed she could spare.
A win-win while showing appreciation for one another.
There are so many ways to show appreciation. On paper or something physical is, of course, more tangible, but whatever the form, it is better than nothing.
Let’s use more signs of appreciation.
On a humorous side, as I was writing this, autocorrect wanted “signs of appreciation” to be “sings of appreciation.” Maybe that is also true. Well, for those with better voices than me, sing your appreciation for others. See, another way to show how you appreciate someone.
We need connection for health and happiness. Positive connection strengthens us.
Let’s show one another more appreciation.
Let me know how you show appreciation.
I appreciate you. Thank you.