Communication Lost?

Why did communication change so much over the years? Many things change: friendships, loyalties, etc. But, communication seems to have taken a turn for the worse.

A few years ago, someone who I never really knew that well in high school, added me to her Facebook page. I thought it seemed weird as (if anything) she would only just say hello as we passed each other in the hall during school. But, I was thinking she could be a spot of positivity in my life.

Since I noticed she lived close to me, I suggested that we should just meet for lunch or something. I think she misinterpreted my intentions. She said that she was not ready to date. Who said anything about a date? I just wanted to meet up. She was the one who added me.

Did she just add me to get her friends list numbers up? Why add someone if you have no intention of meeting them? Or even talking on the phone? And I mean actual talking, not texting back and forth. I love getting to know people, finding out about who they are as a person, what their interests are, where they are in life, etc.

I guess I just felt hurt when she interpreted my invitation to lunch as something more. Because even though she said no to me, she did go to lunch with a male friend of hers. But, she backed it up saying that he was gay. Is that the new social standard now? It's only a date if the guy is straight? Suppose I just wanted a friend's actual physical company for an hour. Suppose I wanted someone sitting across from me as I ate so I could have someone to chat with.

I understand that sometimes life will get in the way of meeting: job, kids, spouse, jail, whatever. But, sometimes I feel I just need the company of one. Sometimes, I just want to talk on the phone with someone. Actually, talk. Not text, not e-mail, not IM through Facebook. Sometimes, I just want to hear a voice.

Being my friend, I don't think asking to take an hour out of your life is asking too much. If something were troubling you, I would give you more than an hour. I would give as much time as I could. I would listen (I mean, really listen) to whatever you wanted to tell me.

I think friendships should be reciprocal. If you can't give me an hour of your time, but I give you the attention you desire, then something is wrong with the friendship. Sometimes, all I need is someone to listen with an open heart and without judgment. I have very few friends like that. If you are one of my friends that fit the bill, then please understand how much your friendship means to me.