Digital Tethers

Recently I’ve been thinking about how people will bound back into my life and sincerely expect me to be the same person I was over ten years ago. This frustrates me since I’d like to think I’m not the same person I was a year ago. Granted, there are a few pillars of self that have always existed and interests that haven’t changed. For the most part though I think at the very least I have improved slightly as a person over the years. When presented with this impression I have started to turn that critique inwards to see how I’ve been pulling the same thing with other people. Who have I approached as they were a decade ago and why is that?

One reason I think people have a tendency to do that has to do with the ease of old impressions. It makes it easier to reconnect. I’ve been guilty of the same train of thought. Another reason though is what I’d like to call digital tethers. With social media often being the only impression and chance to catch up with people, it’s no wonder people are thinking you haven’t changed. Their only recent impression of you may be an outdated Facebook, or a monthly digest posted to instagram.

I think what’s been toughest to handle for me as well has been when you encounter someone who’s trying to meet with the past version of yourself is when you ask the person what they were expecting, they often do not have a concrete answer of their expectations.

I’m glad I’ve maintained the connections and friendships over the years. We see each other so infrequently we get caught up in the catch up game when we hang out. When I’m with my closest friends though the catch up game is quick and routine and we soon move on to different topics.