We got a lot of positive interest from our Spring 2008 article, “Is Porn really a harmless pleasure?” So, we wanted to introduce you to a new book from the girls and, in addition, asked them a few relevant questions.

Since our Spring 2009 issue celebrates best friends, we thought Karen and Danielle would have some special insight.

How can today’s technologies (cell phones, Internet, social networking sites, etc.) affect friendships? Do these things positively or negatively affect girlfriends, ordo they promote cattiness?

Karen Child Ogden, MFT, Contributor to the Temptation Series

Technology has made it possible to look up old friends, communicate quicker and in more creative ways than ever before. But be careful not to rely on technology as a sole means to maintaining friendships. Counting your friends online is an easy way to feel like you’ve got friends. However, true friendships are created and maintained in real time through person-to-person interaction, sharing experiences and supporting one another.

True friends bring out the best in one another. The problem with online relationships (or those maintained via text messaging, chat and email) is that people don’t get to practice vital interpersonal communication skills. Oftentimes, information gets misinterpreted via technology resulting in hurt feelings, miscommunication and cattiness.¬† Pick up the phone and invite a girlfriend to lunch, practice listening and communicating with your girlfriends. There’s nothing better than bonding with, laughing with, and enjoying a good girlfriend!

Danielle Tiano, Author of the Temptation Series

“Girlfriends” - a contradiction in today’s world.  We have a quicker way to communicate but we’ve forgotten how to talk to one another.  We have a greater understanding of words, but we write in codes.  We have a faster way to get in touch but we are too busy to talk.  We obtain more knowledge from the Internet but we do not share our insight.  We have hundreds of girlfriends on MySpace and Facebook, even though most women only have one true girlfriend to go to when we they need them the most.  We text too much and talk too seldom.  We hold more judgment and less forgiveness. The screen has become our new excuse to be mean. We portray what we think others want us to be, rather than what we believe is reality.  We make large promises and offer short solutions. We want to be accepted more than we want to be understood. We have lost each other through technology and allowed our devices to control our relationships.  Building solid friendships takes real life experiences with moments shared in person.  Every new year brings new challenges.  This year challenge yourself to strengthen your friendships to a higher level.

A Generation Lost in Translation is a great way to open a discussion with your pre-teen about cell phone use and communication.¬†Also check out the pairs’ newest book on cyber bullying,¬†Don’t Hit Send Just To Fit In.¬†Get more information on the Temptation Series here and buy their books¬†here to find insight on what your kids are going through and how you can help.