Q: Has technology lead us to expect more from relationships?

I'd like to say that my friend is "seeing" this guy, when really, she's been "texting" this guy. I mean they had a fabulous first date... which a few months later lead to a second date in which clothing eventually became optional. But since then, she hasn't seen him, but they've been texting back and forth. This said relationship has been going on for 5 months. Now I'm dumbfounded (as she is) why he has such trouble leaving a simple text message/email/facebook reply?

Which leads me to the question: Has technology lead us to expecting more from relationships?

With the advent of cell phones, email, text messaging, and social networking, it seems that there is no longer an excuse for someone not being able to contact you. Unlike in the past where a phone call seemed to be the fastest way to get a hold of someone, it seems to be the last resort (or the least intrusive) way to connect with someone now. 

First is text messaging, but then you aren't really sure if someone received it or even got it on time, but it's great for flirting (cause they can read into it what they want to) and for making quick plans. But assuming they did get it, why is there no response?? And how long should I wait for that response?

Email is next up, but that's for a less immediate response, but with the advent of Blackberries and iPhones, it can be just as fast as a text - even more reliable. You can use it to make more long term plans - long term meaning this weekend. Again, the anticipaaaaation of a response. Think about it, Google Mail just created an application called Mail Goggles (just like beer goggles), which helps prevent you from sending drunken emails. The sad part is that an application like that is necessary. It's official, we've all stopped drunk dialing (cause the last time we were drunk, we were smart enough to delete his number from our phone).

Social networking, esp Facebook, has definitely changed the game. Here was can do untraceable social stalking. We can check out their profile to see how their day is going, what they did last night by what their friends commented on, what pictures they uploaded using their cell, and who has SuperPoked them (panties anyone?). Now the down side to this is that you know what's going on, but YOU ARE NOT WHAT'S GOING ON. Like with all this activity, you wonder, "why can't he just text me?" "leave me a quick Facebook message?". What's worse is that it's taken away the ability to make excuses for their behavior... "maybe they're busy at work?" "maybe they have a girlfriend?" "maybe he got hit by a cab in which his cell phone went flying into the air and as he tried to reach for it (because my number is in it) and an oncoming car ran over his hands, simultaneously shattering his hands and cell phone into pieces. so right now, he's on Facebook using a voice activated typing system.... Yes! that's got to be it!"

Now with all this technology, the last resort is using the cell phone for it's originally intended purpose, CALLING. We only seem to call when we want a truly immediate response. But you sit there, looking at his number on your screen, slowly your heart rate increases at the thought of dialing... what do you say? how do you say it?. 2 seconds later you've pressed dial... first ring... (should i hang up?)... second ring... (but it'll show up on his ID)... third ring... (he's not picking up)... VOICEMAIL! Yup, all that anxiety that you had led to sheer utter disappointment, cause you weren't important enough for him to pick up the phone.

This is where I think we've come to expect a lot from relationships in terms of communication. Conducting business should be the same as conducting a relationship... you call them the fuck back. But on that note, the funny thing is that we now have more relationship counselors working on marriage communication issues. Makes  you wonder, with all the ways to communicate, what is it that we're actually saying and what is the other person hearing?

On that note...