We need to talk, really talk.

When was the last time you had a good conversation? I mean a really good one.

Image by Ellagrin

Not about office gossip or recaps of your favorite shows, small talk does have its place, but the kind of conversation that makes you lose all track of time. The kind that leaves you somewhat exhausted and yet a bit euphoric. That makes you feel like you are seeing something or someone, perhaps even yourself, from a whole new perspective. One that leaves you feeling all out of words but then also strangely just getting started and ready for more once you’ve had a bathroom break and something to eat. Those are the really good ones and culturally we don’t have nearly enough of them.

That doesn’t mean every conversation we have has to end up examining and challenging the deepest truths of the human soul but between device driven seclusion, the ADHD of the attention economy machine, and excessive pushing of social niceties as some form of cultural cure-all we’re not only losing the capacity for genuine conversation we’re at risk of not even noticing until the ability has completely atrophied. Comments, like buttons, and emojis are no substitute for genuine, meaningful conversation. Not even close.

One of our most fundamental needs is to be seen, heard, and understood. Our ability to have meaningful conversations is an essential part of how we achieve that. Declaring…