Humans are not convenient. They are unpredictable, tiring, and complicated. Interaction takes more emotional energy, time, risks embarrassment, and is prone to error.
A pattern that I’ve been pondering recently is that when we are given a product that is cheap and convenient, what is often cut is the human element. Delivery apps, self checkouts, ordering online, and scrolling through internet reviews. They all are very convenient. But what we save in money and time, we lose in connection.
So I’ve been trying to find small ways to choose human. Going to the cashier instead of the self checkout, saying “Good day!” to the security guard at the door, talking to a stranger for a recommendation, and asking a friend for help. It might just be little habits that build a greater feeling of community.
One can never be perfect, but it is a worthy pursuit. It is less convenient, but I would rather lose a few more dollars, or minutes than lose the understanding of how we are all connected.
