Communication

by Elizabeth

Communications are important between people in whatever form they are given and received.

Today I had a conversation with a friend who stated that she preferred a nice handwritten letter, she could not understand that I did not mind in whatever way I heard from someone. I felt that it did not matter so long as whoever was contacting me was doing just that, and that they cared enough to stay in touch. It did not matter to me that it might come re an e mail, letter in the post, telephone call or a visit so long as I received a message, spoke to them or saw them.

Every day we receive communications of various kinds, they may be spam, advertisements, legal matter, bills and notifications regarding clubs and societies that we may belong to. Other formal letters may be complaints about service or products which have to be set right.

It is most important that we remain in touch with the outside world. It is a sad situation when people retreat within themselves into their homes and for days, weeks, months and even years at a time when they do not phone, receive visitors or even venture outside their properties. They do not contribute to their community in any way and in the end they miss out on life.

A nice handwritten letter may be personal, written in special circumstances such as congratulations on achievements, bereavement, the birth of a baby, a wedding or the recipients moving from one home to another or going overseas.

Typing a letter may seem impersonal but there are circumstances where it is easier for the sender and the recipient where handwriting is rather hard to decipher and it can be embarrassing if something in the letter has been misconstrued.

Older people have finally given in to using computers to communicate with grandchildren who may be away from home. Also when an e mail is sent, it is quite possible for the recipient at that stage to e mail back, straightaway and photos can be sent.