I have become something of a hermit in the recent past, for various reasons – some good, some bad. I have always been pretty much a “loner” – a private person – or, as the Myers-Briggs folks would say, ‘I get my strength from within’.
Just yesterday, however, I reached out to one of my oldest and dearest friends, with whom I had lost contact for some time. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was really part of a complete change of mind that once again recognizes the need for contact with others.
I am glad I did so; I feel as if it was like turning a key and opening a door. I went back to my Facebook page – much as I despise the politics with which Facebook chooses to align itself – because through that medium I can keep in touch with a number of friends, both new and old, as well as distant family members.
I won’t proselytize, but I will point out that family and friends are important. Yes, they carry a lot of ‘baggage’ as well, but we are by nature social beings, and the need for contact is ingrained in our core.
So I, for myself, will go against my baser tendencies and will strive to make and keep better contact with those I love. You have been warned!