Call Me

I may sound like an out-of-touch grandma when I say this, but we live in a crazy digital and technological age. It seems that we’re always finding a new reason to be on our phones all the time, without using it for its original purpose—calling people. We are so accustomed to texting that the idea of speaking to someone on the same device has become, dare I say, uncool. “I don’t want to bug them,” or “my voice sounds weird on the phone,” or simply “what if they like…answer?” And, I dislike small talk as much as the next person, and a phone call seems to mandate it. Are you really gonna reply with anything but “fine” or “goodhowareyou”? Anyway, let’s move on.

Since we are so terrified to call each other, why on earth would we visit? Yes, I mean driving over there, knocking on their door, them answering the door, and going inside to chat or eat or watch the game. As nerve racking as it can be, you simply can't beat face-to-face interaction. It does our souls good to see their facial expressions and funny gestures, hear their voice, and, heaven forbid, hug them once in a while. Furthermore, as much as some people claim they hate surprises, you can make someone feel so special and important by showing up at their door or calling them at 2pm on a Tuesday just because you were thinking of them. 

How I wish it weren’t such a faux pas to tell someone they’re wonderful or handsome right when you realize they are. When someone is great, I think they ought to be told. We tell little kids all the time how cute their clothes are and how sweet they are. We’re constantly telling them how much we love them. Why does that change when we grow up? Why can’t we tell her how pretty her dress is, or how nice his haircut looks? The same goes for house calls and phone calls—I don’t see why we can’t call our Grandma when she comes to mind or call our friend when someone at work says something that sounds just like your inside joke.

We rarely know the whole story of what even our closest friends are dealing with, and your genuine efforts to tell them you think of them could make a world of difference. Your words and actions, though seemingly small, could be just the boost they need that day. Helen Keller said: “So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.”

Next time you’re wondering how your friend is doing or you realize you still haven’t seen their new place they love, or whatever it may be, don’t hesitate to call them. You never know the good that could come from it. I leave you with the words of Ellen DeGeneres by saying, “be kind to one another.” 

That person you were thinking of while you read this? Pick up the phone. You can do it.