By Tracy Schruder
As I watched the local news this morning, I was struck by a segment on the awkwardness of saying goodbye in face-to-face interactions. My inspiration for this article came from that CTV news story, which highlighted the struggles people face when parting ways.
A Personal Perspective
My mother always taught me the importance of positive energy when leaving someone’s company. She’d say “see you later” instead of “goodbye,” as she believed the latter was too final. She believed that goodbye was something you said when you were never going to see someone again, such as a break up or heaven forbid, someone is about to pass away. This mindset stuck with me, and I’ve always made an effort to end conversations on a positive note. There’s always a clear ending to the conversation whenever communicating with me.
However, with the advent of texting, I’ve found that conversations often lack clear endings or goodbyes. It’s as if we’ve forgotten how to say goodbye. I often find myself asking, “Is that it?” or “Are we finished talking?” only to be left staring at my phone, wondering if the conversation is finished.
The Impact of Technology
Research suggests that the way we communicate has changed significantly with the rise of digital technology. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 97% of Americans own a cellphone, and 77% of them use their phones to text. If people are texting, they’re not talking. When discussing this fact with others, I find that most people are confused about the intention behind text conversations.
In my opinion, we can’t know the intention because we can’t hear the persons voice or see their faces. We’re interactive beings and need vital cues like body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to navigate interactions correctly. This includes understanding empathy, compassion, or even ignorance and anger.
This shift towards digital communication has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which are essential for developing social skills, including the art of saying goodbye.
The Consequences of Texting
The impact of texting on face-to-face interactions is multifaceted. When we rely too heavily on texting, we miss out on nonverbal cues, which are essential for building meaningful relationships. Furthermore, the abrupt endings common in texting conversations can’t be translated to face-to-face interactions. We would never just stop talking in the middle of a conversation and walk away.
When we’re used to ending conversations with a simple “lol” or “ttyl,” we may struggle to find the right words or actions to say goodbye in person.
Revitalizing the Art of Saying Goodbye
To combat this issue, it’s essential to make an effort to engage in face-to-face interactions and practice meaningful goodbyes. This can be as simple as saying “it was great seeing you” or “I’ll catch you later.” Physical contact, such as hugs, handshakes, or high-fives, can also help solidify feelings and create a sense of closure.
Conclusion
The struggle to say goodbye in face-to-face interactions is a symptom of a larger issue – the decline of meaningful human connections in the digital age. By recognizing the impact of technology on our communication styles and making an effort to engage in face-to-face interactions, we can revitalize the art of saying goodbye and nurture deeper connections with others.
Let’s make a conscious effort to say goodbye with intention and meaning, even when texting or messaging. Our relationships depend on it.
Thank you for reading 😊🙏
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