Please, talk to people.
My local Coles just doubled its number of self-serve registers.
There's now only three registers in the shop that aren't self-serve (as opposed to the approximately 16 self-serve ones), and if you go in at any time other than peak-time, the traditional registers aren't even open for service so your only option is to use the self-serve.
The changes at Coles made me think of something I'd heard referenced on a podcast a few weeks ago — people are talking less and less every year, and it's backed up by research.
In short, a study has shown that since 2005 the average person has spoken less each year than the year before, by about 338 words per day, or 120,000 words per year. The researchers couldn't scientifically say why this is, but they've got some ideas. And so do I.
In the age of technology, life has changed incredibly quickly.
We're beginning to lose the incidental social interactions that were once a part of everyday life.
Things that once required talking to a real person, simply don't anymore. You can buy nearly anything you need online and get it sent straight to your doorstop or a parcel locker, with no need to even talk to the mailman. Booking a doctor's appointment doesn't require phoning up anymore because most places take online bookings now. Buying movie tickets? Online. Ordering takeaway? Also online, no need to call up and speak to them or order in store.
I grew up in a town where a "good morning" as you walked past someone was the norm. But even this split-second interaction is disappearing1. It's become incredibly common to wear earphones — out on a walk or on public transport or in a class — and people engage far less with those around them when they're in their own little bubble. How often do you say hello to the person you end up crammed into a seat beside on the bus at peak hour? 2
So we're speaking to people less than ever.
Meanwhile, young people are more anxious than ever before and the loneliness epidemic seems to be on everyone's lips.
The fix? I think at least part of the solution is talking to people.
It's been proven that connection enhances mental health. So, I'm begging you to talk to people more. See your people in person more. Join a book club, or any other kind of social activity. Smile at strangers. Say good morning. Maybe go to a register that isn't self-serve every once in a while. Just talk to people.
And with that, while I haven't been blogging, I:
had a small relapse and logged back into Instagram. Lasted only a couple of days and it didn't take long to remember why I hate it. Logged back out again.
helped a friend move into his first home!! How cool!
got the new DMA'S album on vinyl! It's brilliant. I just love Aussie music.
am back at uni!
If I put an exclamation mark there, does it make me sound less sad?So far I've only had one Sunday arvo menty b and I've purchased a whole new laptop because my old one just couldn't do it. Thanks engineering degree.Perk to this is that I'm now playing the Sims in very high definitionwent to a book fair with friends! Managed to have some self-control and only bought three books for $9. Crazy behaviour from me.
watched Netflix's adaptation of 'My Brilliant Career' and loved it.
have been reading!! Of course. Recently read 'Northanger Abbey' by Jane Austen and loved it. Now reading 'The Women of Troy' by Pat Barker.
So. Talk to some people! <3
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I've been on a real mission to say good morning to the people I run past regularly. A lot ignore it, but I've now got two people so accustomed to my hello's that they beat me to the punch now. Progress.↩
I'll give you a pass if you're on the no. 11 bus — if you know, you know. That place is a lawless land. Potentially best to avoid all eye contact.↩