Missing Actual Human Connections

Earlier today, I completed several online transactions. These included a money fund transfer, an online shopping order for items we need in the house, and a food delivery order. All of these were completed fast, reliably, and conveniently.

But I have to admit, there’s something missing. Taking time to think about what that element is, well, it can be summed up in two words: human connection. Human beings are born to be social—we are genetically coded to need interaction with other humans: physical, emotional, visual, verbal, tactile, a connection that is somehow more real.

Food delivery is all right. But dining out with friends and family is much better. Online banking has become more reliable and more secure than ever but even I can recall moments when I was glad to be inside a bank, believe it or not. It’s just more comfortable and reassuring to see another actual human being helping out with even something as mundane as a bank deposit, or enchasing a check, or when we discuss a bank loan.

Believe it or not, one of my unforgettable memories about my bank (BDO) was when I rushed in because it had started to rain when I was a block away. I needed to cash a check for an important transaction (maybe I was going to pay for tuition the next day, I can’t recall it now) and it was such a feeling of relief to be inside the bank, away from the rain and the cold.

So yes, this is a shout-out to the BDO employees at my bank branch. Thank you for your service throughout this pandemic. For being trustworthy, dependable, cheerful, friendly, and hopeful as you go through the same hardships that your clients face. I will be very happy to connect with others in a more human, more real way once this pandemic is over.