Back in the 80’s AT&T had an ad campaign with the slogan – “Reach Out and Touch Someone.” That idea is a no-no these days with social distancing. Seriously, though, the idea behind the commercial was not to physically touch someone, but to pick up the phone and call someone.
And more and more of you are doing that these days. Yes, an interesting side-effect of the current pandemic has brought people back to their phones to do something we don’t use our phones much for anymore – an actual phone call. Cell phone companies have reported a huge spike in phone calls and increase in the length of calls, too.
Isolation and social distancing has created a deficit in connection with others that many are discovering that can’t be fulfilled by social media or even texting.
There is such value in hearing someone else’s voice and for them to hear your voice. It’s extremely difficult to convey tone or emotion in a text. There’s an intimacy that can’t replicated.
If you are feeling disconnected, make it a point to connect with someone using that “phone” app on your smartphone. In other words, reach out and touch someone.
**Eric has his Masters in Counseling and when not on B105.7, works as a private practice counselor.**
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ridofranz
