MOOL RAJ
In a time when relationships are often reduced to fleeting digital interactions, staying connected through phone calls filled with warmth and laughter shows genuine care
There is a remarkable trait I have observed in my 78-year-old mother-in-law, a habit that sets her apart in an age where relationships are often reduced to fleeting digital exchanges. She remembers former colleagues, distant relatives, neighbours who once lived next door. And more than just remembering them, she stays in touch.
At an age when many resign themselves to solitude, she picks up the phone and calls people from decades ago. Not just text messages, voice notes, or hurried “Hope you’re well” followed by silence. She calls, she converses, she cares. It is a simple act, yet in today’s world, it feels almost extraordinary.
Her phone conversations are not perfunctory check-ins; they are rich tapestries of shared history, laughter, and updates on each other’s lives. And the warmth with which she is received at the other end of the line is a testament to the bonds she has nurtured over the years. She is remembered because she remembers. She is loved because she has loved.
It makes me wonder: What are we losing in this hyper-connected yet increasingly impersonal world?
Relationships today are often sustained by a string of forwarded messages, impersonal likes on social media, and hastily typed responses to keep up appearances. In the race for efficiency, we have sacrificed depth.
Consider this: How many times have we opted to send a WhatsApp message instead of calling, simply because it’s quicker? How often do we reply with an emoji rather than words that could convey something deeper? I suspect relationships have become more superficial, and perhaps we are to blame. It is easier to type a quick “Happy birthday!” than to call and hear the person’s voice. It is more convenient to react to a post than to ask, “How have you really been?”
And yet, watching my mother-in-law, I realise that relationships, like wealth, require investment. The bonds we forge and sustain over time are the greatest savings we make in life. They are the human equivalent of a well-kept treasure-present when we need warmth, support, and belonging.
One of the reasons we don’t stay in touch is because we assume people are busy. They probably don’t have time to talk. Or worse, we convince ourselves that if they really cared, they would call us too. And so, we let months slip into years, waiting for the other person to make the first move.
But my mother-in-law doesn’t wait. She doesn’t hesitate to pick up the phone, regardless of how long it has been. And what’s more, people respond to her with the same warmth and eagerness. It reminds me that relationships are not about keeping score; they are about keeping the connection alive.
A strong social network isn’t just about having company for celebrations; it is also about having shoulders to lean on in times of need. It is about knowing that when life throws its uncertainties at us, there will be familiar voices to comfort us, guide us, and remind us that we are not alone. And yet, many people find themselves growing lonelier with age, not because they lack family or friends, but because they did not nurture those bonds.
What would it take for us to revive the lost art of staying in touch? It doesn’t take grand gestures. It doesn’t require hours of free time. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple phone call. A heartfelt message. A conversation that goes beyond the surface.
So here’s a small invitation:
Think of someone you haven’t spoken to in a while-perhaps an old schoolmate, a former colleague, or a distant cousin. Instead of sending a message, call them. Ask about their life. Listen to their stories. Share something about yours. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but you may be surprised at how quickly the warmth returns.
The author is a regular colunmst and freelance writer
