Who hid all the common courtesy?

Posted by lili on Sun 17 Oct 04, 8:31 PM

For the first time in what must be - well - years - i got hit on in irc with what was very almost an a/s/l question (do people still do that?) I've also had more than a few approaches from people through yahoo messenger who start off with a half decent conversation that soon falls into the familar a/s/l format.

Now, don't get me wrong - i'm not generally down on using irc or messenger etc as a way to meet potential partners. Infact in many ways i think its a very good way to first make contact with different people. What i do find objectionable is the way using these instant messenger-type programs seem to strip people of common courtesy.

i blame the software programmers myself. Afterall, it must be something hard wired into the systems themselves, because i'm sure these people, were i to meet them face to face, would be wonderfully polite and entirely courteous. Afterall, first impressions count for so much don't they?

Maybe its just a general sign of the times. We hear so often about antisocial behaviour, road rage, "look after number one" type mentalities. So many people don't seem to have the time or inclination to look beyond their own desires, to slow down, to open thier eyes to the people and things around them. Too busy getting stressed in their single minded pursuit of self gratification.

There is alot to be said for taking the time to talk to someone, for actually listening to what they have to say and for thinking about what you say in return. Like it or not, how you appear to others is important and if it is that you are out there looking for that someone special, chances are your going to meet quite alot of other people on your way. Why not take a few minutes to leave a good impression with them, rather than building yourself a reputation of someone singlemindedly pursuing the type of self gratification that is generally better known for making you go "blind".

lili

Edited Wed 26 Dec 07, 1:13 PM by lili