Quality Over Quantity
A general rule of life should be to always aim for quality over quantity. The only exception I have thought of is money. Iβd rather have more money, I donβt really care about the condition of the bills. With more money I can support the causes I care most about and eliminate the stress that stops me from creating the content I most want to share with you.
My quality over quantity rule is especially nice as it applies to relationships. Iβm very much a people person. Over my many years of indulgence and excitement over the rise of social networks, I mistook these brief interactions with people as quality encounters. They used to be, but today algorithms decide whom you will see in your timeline instead of you.
βLet your guiding rule be not how much, but how good.Β A thing you do not want is expensive at any price. Avoid surplus. Choose quality over quantity.β
During my digital detox from social media last summer, I made it a point to reconnect with old friends via video conferencing, telephone, or a few in-person* beverages. I didnβt realize how much I missed this type of interaction.
I have been reviewing old photographs from the many conferences I attended over the years. I have then scheduled and conducted catch up video chats with some of those folks. The meetings have been personally rewarding to me. These quality chats are much more fulfilling than a like, comment, text, or private message.
βThe most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of your time and attention.β
Spending 30-60+ minutes chatting with people I enjoyed meeting way back when has been one of the best uses of my time. Why not communicate again with the people you have most enjoyed interacting with in the past?
They say time and attention are our most valuable resources. Investing this time and attention in reconnecting with people I admire has made me far richer.
Quality relationships make you richer.
* Making a point to be six-feet apart, wearing a mask before and after, and with clean hands.