Is It Normal for Friends to Not Contact Each Other Anymore?
It's common to assume that friends should always be in constant contact with each other. However, the reality is that the frequency of communication can change over time, and that's perfectly normal.
Texting: A New Form of Communication
Texting is a relatively recent form of communication, and it has its limitations. This method of communication can be slow and tedious, and it often leaves room for misinterpretation. Many people find it less preferable compared to calling or meeting in person.
Despite the growing popularity of texting, not everyone uses it. Many people prefer to call their friends instead of texting. Some individuals only use their phones to make calls and never resort to texting. As people get older, they start to understand that not everyone in their life serves the same purpose, and certain relationships may not require constant communication.
I, for example, have a best friend (BFF) whom I text about three times a year. This doesn't mean we don't get along. There are numerous people in my life whom I only text once in a while. As you grow older, you realize that some people are no longer as vital to your life as they once were, and vice versa. Accepting this early on can make life much easier and more peaceful.
The Norm of Decreasing Communication Over Time
It's perfectly normal for the frequency of communication to decrease as time goes on. Just a handful of people, such as your sister and boyfriend, may receive your texts more frequently. Everyone else, including good friends, may not require daily texting.
I consider myself a "dry" texter, meaning I don't text as much as others. However, I do respond quickly to those who text me. It's important to think about the context and consider if the person may be going through something. Reach out once and leave it at that. If you need to, you can mute messages, and then respond when you feel the need to do so.
Texting can be frustrating because it lacks the interpersonal touch that a phone call or face-to-face conversation provides. You can't really hear the tone of someone's statements or detect if they are genuinely okay. For instance, you can't hear when someone is about to cry or when they are upset. That's why calling is preferred for many people.
Real-Life Examples and Experiences
Living in college can often be hectic, and not getting back to someone immediately can feel personal and hurtful. However, what you may not realize is that those people might be handling multiple jobs, internships, and extracurricular activities all at once. They may also be applying for fellowships and trying to lead student organizations. The stress and busyness can significantly reduce the time available for texting.
Fast forward to today, with the demands of a full-time job, school, extracurricular activities, and personal interests, it becomes increasingly challenging to keep up with everyone. Sometimes I return texts late, usually a week after they were sent, especially if they are not urgent. The reality is, most friends don't text each other all day unless something important comes up.
Understanding that times have changed and that communication doesn't always look the way it did in the past can help us better embrace the current methods of staying in touch with our loved ones. Whether it's through text, phone calls, or even social media interactions, the most important thing is that we continue to nurture our relationships and show that we care, even if the frequency of contact has decreased.
Conclusion
While it may seem unusual, it is entirely normal for friends to not contact each other as frequently as they used to. As people grow older and busier, the expectations and norms of communication often shift. Embracing this change and adapting our communication methods can help us maintain strong, healthy, and long-lasting friendships.