Over the past several years, I have become concerned about how disconnected people in our culture seem to be with each other!

People are now much less likely to sit down and talk to each other and spend time together, in-person.

I grew up around my grandparents and I looked up to the people in their generation. I admired how they visited with people face-to-face, and spent time lingering with people. 

Some statistics say that in every personal conversation, there is a 7-minute lull. This means that approximately every seven minutes, a moment of silence occurs in a conversation. It usually happens whenever the topic of conversation is changing, and the previous topic has been discussed thoroughly. 

In today’s world, this silent 7-minute lull makes people nervous! Many people will immediately start reaching for their cell phones! They probably do this so they can immerse themselves in a virtual world and avoid feeling uncomfortable about the fact that they don't have anything to say right then. 

My grandparents’ generation seemed to perfect the art of lingering. They took a moment to bask in other people's presence, until someone in the room would eventually come up with something else to say. They didn't need to feel uncomfortable, because someone would always come up with something! People didn’t feel pressured by this... instead, they felt valued by the fact that the other person spent time with them just because they wanted to. 

I dare you to try this:

Don’t end your visit as soon as the 7-minute lull happens, or grab your cell phone in order to escape. Instead, linger there... and enjoy the fact that you have someone right there in front of you! 

We all want meaningful interactions with people. Do what it takes to spend time with people face-to-face, until everyone seems satisfied that you've all talked about every subject that you want to share. 

Then at the end, wrap up the conversation by telling them how much you enjoyed their company... and that you should do it again sometime! 

You’ll never know how much taking the time to linger with someone can make a difference in their lives... in your own life... and eventually, also in society!