Facebook, Twitter. Bebo, Tagged. Myspace, Vampirefreaks. Yahoo, IMVU, MSN.

And these are just the 'social sites' I can remember joining. There must be plenty more.

Oh, and not to forget Xanga.

The point I'd like to make is, are we losing touch with eachother because of our need for quantitive communication, instead of qualitive? Are we moving into a phase where we prefer to be able to talk to someone AS OFTEN as we want, instead of enjoying the conversation?

I like to take pleasure in the simpler things, and alot of people would say that. One of these simple things, I would say, is having a decent face to face chat. There are just some things talking to someone and actually seeing them [and no, not through webcam!], that you just can't get satisfaction from by talking through the technology of today.

1. Looking in their eyes.

'The eyes are the windows to the soul'. To read an expression in someones eye is something you can't do through even the sharpest of webcams. It really catches the light, and you really feel a true connection to someone via looking in their eyes.

2. Being able to laugh with them.

We all know 'Lol' 'Lm[f]ao' and 'rofl' mean the person ISNT actually finding you bemusing. This are just space fillers, for when we can't find the words to type. Being able to enjoy a laugh with someone, giggling with them, holding your sides because your losing breath, surely is one of the greatest pleasures of all.

3. Reading body language.

It is said that 90% of our communication is not through what we say, it is how we express it with our body language. Body language is a true indicator as to when someone is feeling open, hostile, or lonely. It's something you can sort of 'sense' if I had to describe it. Through our technologies, you do not know how someone is feeling unless they TELL you, and even then you can't be sure.

4. Touch.

Being able to touch someone, show your affection [or your anger!] through touch is surely better than going 'awww!*hug* hope you feel better lulz'.

Whats your opinion? Face to face contact, or other?

Now, I know most people cherish parenthood and say its the most rewarding thing that one can ever experience. I, however, believe I am quite fine without it. Although I love kids, and enjoying playing with them and watching as they grow and learn, I do not have the desire to have any of my own. This, simply, can boil down to one reason; I'm selfish. I know this may not sound like the best of reasons, and, wouldn't I like to share those that don't sound as bad? But, I'm being brutally honest here. I'm just too damn selfish.

I want to be a career woman. I want the money, the house, the freedom. The sheer excitement of excelling in something that is my passion. God dammit, I want to live in a mansion with 6 rooms all to myself. I want a library, a pool, a game room, a study. I want to be able to party hardy and not worry about how am I going to afford their school stationary? or are they asleep yet? Heres the truth guys, and lets face it. Kids are money suckers. They drain you of every dollar, and, quite particulary, I want that to myself; as I said before, I'm selfish.

Another point that should be made is when people ask me - "Why not have your career first and kids later?" Um... because I do not wish to become an old parent? My mother had me when she was twenty-six going on twenty-seven. So, now she is fourty three, and I believe she is old. How short do you think the career span of a scientist is?! Come on.

I also want my needs to be the only ones I'm concerned with. Because, as soon as you have a kid, their needs come before yours. Theres no way of escaping that. You have to think of what they need, what they want, and what will keep them happy. I do not want to have to concern myself with someone elses needs; and quite frankly; I don't think I'd be any good at attending to someone elses needs twenty-four seven. Call it youngest child syndrome, or whatever, but it's just not me.

Parenthood also scares the shit out of me. The idea of having someone depend on me constantly frightens me, and also the possibility of my ruining someone psychologically because of what I've done IS scary. I mean, parents can fuck you up if your not raised right. I mean, parenthood is a whole lot of responsibility that I just don't think I'm up to the task of handling.

This is just not kids I'm talking about, either. I do not want a long term partner in the future. Not only do I not want someone to depend on me; I do not want to have to depend on someone either. Sure, you say I may get lonely. But, so what? It's my decision and I shall live my life to how I desire.

This rant may be out of the blue, but I have had so many people say to me "of course you want babies" and comments along those lines. Um, hello...

Just because I possess two X chromosomes doesn't mean I have the exact maternal instinct that comes with it.

What it boils down to, is that I do not want to sacrifice my own wants and needs for someone else; if I can prevent it.

'Nuff said.