Here's to all the pretty words that we will never speak.

Our world is dreadfully dependent upon Communications Electronica. Knowing this, we should have expected it would let all that power go to its head. Communications Electronica has turned into a sole proprietorship monster, forcing small, private human connections out of business. Apparently it was my turn to be down-sized because I received several disgruntled text messages this week.

Drake Darko: where r u?
Me: arlington

Drake Darko: wat? Y?
Me: bc ryan lives here
Drake Darko: =/ 

Me: ok?

Drake Darko: dont evr talk 2 me again


Mom: Hello??? McFly??? R U there???

Ryan S.[Oklahoma]: Are you there?

Ryan S.[Oklahoma]: Obviously you
must have gotten pretty busy at 4:35am.

It dawned on me today, while sipping a Dirty Chai Latte and listening to Teevee tell me about his upcoming retreat into the wilderness, why all of this was happening. I almost didn't hear him over the sound of my straw slurping up the last part of my ridiculously over-priced drink. He said, "The retreat is a ropes course out in the middle of...east Texas. Anyway, they won't let us bring our phones or laptops or anything. Nothing. Can you imagine?"

Can you imagine?

If the message is sincerely important, its probably best to communicate the message verbally. If nothing else to ensure that the exchange of information is correct. If you call someone and they don't answer, there's a good reason why. These reasons could include the need for sleep to dream, work, busy schedules, spending time with family and friends, and the ill-fated, "I just don't feel like talking at the moment."

I realize in the fast-paced world we reside, there is a need for immediacy. That's why we love text messaging and email. But your urgency may not be matched by the person with whom you're trying to connect. Just because the text message or email is sent no matter what, doesn't mean you've forged a sold connection. That's connection by force, which doesn't garner results. At least not the warmest results.

Please for the love of God, Buddha, Allah, or whatever your faith, don't rely solely on non-verbal words and acronyms to connect yourself to anyone. Sure it's good for the in between. It's like a communication snack. But you can't live on snacks alone. In order to survive, life needs healthy, wholesome connections from all the communication food groups.

If you rely solely upon Communications Electronica, you will find yourself dissatisfied at least several texts in your life.

I'd squeeze a heart through my fingertip
But I type too slow to make expressions stick