I don’t need to ‘Like’ him to Love him
- October 27th, 2011
- chris
I only get to see my immediate family three to four times a year. They live in Kingsville, a small town outside of Windsor. Basically, every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and once in the summer. I wish I could see them more, but I work a lot and they’re far away. You do the math.
The last time I was home I was chatting with my brother and he seemed a little upset. I asked what was getting his panties in a twist and he blurted, “You haven’t even asked me how I’m doing in school!”
My brother started school in September, at Fanshawe in London. And he was right. I hadn’t asked him how he was doing. Actually I didn’t ask him anything about his life. Nothing about his girlfriend, his new job or the cat he just adopted. I felt horrible. I apologized. He forgave. But I still felt kind of crappy. What kind of brother was I? I’m a caring person. Sometimes a little self centred (maybe more than a little) but I still care!
It wasn’t until a few weeks later that I actually had time to think about what had happened. I figured out the culprit to my jerkiness. His name: Facebook.
I knew exactly how my brother was doing. I knew he loved school. That he and his girlfriend were enjoying their new apartment in London. And I knew very well that my brother didn’t care for the behavior of his cat. I knew all this from his status updates. I knew what he was up to, but how was he to know I knew all this. I use my feed as a daily personal paper. I don’t “like” everything. And I don’t “comment” on everything. But, for the important people in my life, I check all updates.
I love facebook (not as much as twitter) and I use it for my business. It’s a great tool that works well to stay connect to my friends and clients. I’m also happy I can use it to keep track of the family I love but only get to see 3 times a year. I can’t imagine my life without it. But it doesn’t replace the phone call. Doesn’t replace the hand written letter or card. And it sure doesn’t replace a conversation with my little brother, especially when he’s sitting right in front of me.
I’m gonna call my brother today to see how he is doing. Right after I check my farmville crop.
JUST KIDDING!!!!
Chris
These are the musings about a business brainchild contained within a creative confectionery of a mind. His blog entries often look at how making friends and building your brand online is a lot like making it on the playground.
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5 Responses to “I don’t need to ‘Like’ him to Love him”
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Great post, Chris! It’s totally true. Facebook has allowed us to be lazy with our real life updates…we all need to get better at it! – Jenn
Well said. It is so easy to forget how important it is to reach out to the people who make a difference in our lives. Social media certainly has its place, I am a total twitter addict,but nothing can replace a face to face conversation, a handwritten letter, or a phone call.
soooo true. My family is far away and the same thing happens.
So, in the end, are you joking about calling your bro or checking on farmville?? ha haha.. cuz if you’re like me – you just do.not.call.anyone.
It’s a good thing you posted this to Facebook or I wouldn’t have seen it.
[...] More recently Chris wrote a blog post about an interaction with his brother. His description of how Facebook has influenced his relationship was incredibly insightful and reminded me of the importance of a phone call, of actually getting together. To read this amazing story, click here. [...]