Does Anyone Else Find That Communication With Family/Friends Is More Distant/Less Spontaneous

[bluefortress]

I often feel that these days there are a lot of conditions to things and life is less spontaneous. 
 

For example in the 90's and early 2000's my cousin would just pop round to my house to show off a new car or to say Hi and visa versa. 
 

However now things are different. I only see her about 4 times per year. Its like we have to text each other first and agree a time to come down. I wanted to drop a card off this evening I texted her and she texted not at the moment sorry (she was busy and had something wrong with ehr window). She said she would let me know tomorrow. 
 

All I wanted to do was just either hand it to her or leave at the door, a bit like a post person would do. 
 

The general vibe I get is that she wants to keep contact as she asks for catchups etc but everything has to be arranged its almost like an appointment has to be made

Like I said years ago we would just turn up spontaneously at each others door

Its similar with my friend, we always arrange our phonecalls. In the old days we would just ring spontaneously and have a bit of a chat  

 

[Canary42]

Yes, but entirely due to changes in personal circumstances.

[pastafreak]

Partly people's circumstances changing...lives becoming busier. And possibly covid, so spontaneity has gone out the window. 

[Cloverjo]

I like to keep in touch with friends and family, but I don't want them turning up unannounced.
Unless it's an emergency. 

[barry1010]

My house seems like a drop in centre during the day, all welcome. After 7pm by appointment only. It was different when the children were young, our front door was like a turnstile during the evening, nor we enjoy our privacy 

 

[barry1010]

Naturally if anyone has a problem that can't wait they are always welcome 

[bluefortress]

You sound very kind Barry. 
 

I just miss the old days like the 90's where you spoke to people in person whenever you/they felt like it

[barry1010]

I grew up without a phone so taking pot luck and visiting without warning was the norm.

When I left home and moved some miles away I popped a postcard in the post to my parents if I couldn't visit as expected and they did the same.