Communication Proximity

A close friend of mine recently got married and moved to Toronto where his wife’s family lives. When he lived in New York, he and I used to get together when we could but we were both very busy and at times didn’t talk to or see each other for a couple months at a time. This was all fine and good because when we did see each other, we acted as friends who speak to each other all the time. The relationship didn’t change because we didn’t talk or see each other often. We were both busy a lot. That’s life.

Now that he is living in Toronto, he wants to talk on the phone more often because he’s so far away. I don’t see a difference in the situation whether he is 5 miles away or 500 miles away. If I don’t see him, I don’t see him. The rate of phone conversations should stay relatively the same, no? He’s a close friend of mine so I’m happy to speak to him whenever he and I have time. This whole situation, however, makes me wonder about how physical distance affects digital relationships.

Is there a difference whether a friend lives down the block or across the country? Does the potential of seeing them (hopping the car for 10 minutes) change the way or how often you communicate with someone? I’m guessing it does, which is extremely interesting. Everything is moving towards the ability to communicate with people remotely as if we were in the same room with them. For the first time this week, I had a video chat with my in-laws. It was fun and I’m sure we’ll do it again soon. No matter how realistic this communication becomes, I still think the proximity to this person will affect the way you communicate with this person. Maybe the next generation can get over this psychological need to be close to somebody in proximity. We shall see.