Call me? Definitely

(770)981-4002.  That was my private phone number growing up.  I remember talking for hours on that phone.  Getting to know boys, boyfriends, and wanna be boyfriends.  I literally considered the ease in which I was able to conduct conversations with a guy as evidence on the amount of chemistry we had.  Could we talk for hours?  No pauses?  Finishing sentences?  Did we really have to tell each other to hang up in order to get off of the phone?  "You hang up, no you hang up.  On three hang up?"  Yep, I did that.  It may not have seemed like it then, but a guy had to put in some work, stay on the phone line, to get to know me.  I mean, it doesn't seem like this equated to high standards, but clearly, it does.

Unfortunately, times have changed.  With modern technology evolving daily, it has become way too easy to get to know people through social media.  I can never have laid eyes on someone, but know their occupation, likes/dislikes, food allergies, marital status, etc.  Now this is okay if I'm facebook stalking someone, getting to know them from afar.  But if I am really trying to get to know someone, or better yet, they are trying to get to know me, Imma (incorrect English, but this is how strong I feel) need them to pick up the phone, and put in some work.

My girlfriends and I have talked about this extensively.  If a guy is trying to get to know me, more energy is needed.  I know that we may eventually text, or somehow text throughout the "getting to know you" phase.  "Good morning," "Have a good day," "Good night," those are all fine to let me know that you are thinking of me.  But please, please sir, do not text me with a "What's up?" or a "Hey!" as a first exchange.  Clearly, your conversation skills are not what's up.  You will indefinitely be ignored.  And really, I'm not being overly particular, or picky, but how much energy does it really take to do what we so happily did at 14 years old?   Have a genuine conversation.  Pick up the phone. Get to know me.  I know we can't be in each other's presence all of the time, so let me hear your voice.  Let me know if our interactions are forced or free flowing.  For goodness sake, learn my speech pattern.

I know that everyone doesn't like talking on the phone.  I get it.  And I'm not saying to over exacerbate this method of communication either.  What I am saying is...texting gets the job done. Bravo to the phone companies for creating such a convenient tool.  It's great when used as intended.  It's a way to quickly contact someone to update them, share a funny tidbit, check-in every few weeks, particularly if you do not feel like talking, or have the time to do so.    But quite frankly, if you really want to get to know someone, you need to have the time and the desire.  If not, you're wasting your unlimited text messages.