Our 9 year-old-daughter stormed out of room, up stairs, and straight into her bedroom as she mumbled and screamed about injustice of it all. Our 13 year-old-son looked at us in disgust while he complained that he’d never be able to watch televisions again because only shows he ever watched were cable-only stations. And my husband; well, let’s just say that he had a moment of television jitters but soon realized something pretty powerful—television shows had become more important than socializing with his family and friends. He realized and later admitted that he had grown accustomed to planning his time around what show was on at what time and yelling at kids to “not” interrupt him.

No where has this been more obvious than on new "reality television" shows. It is not realistic to place people in an artificial environment and expect them to instantly bond on an intimate level. These programs may have found such a large audience because premise of what they are doing is so peculiar.

People learn to relate on different levels. There are times when relationships are formed without even seeing other person. Pen pals and telephone conversations, while not usually an instant connection, can quickly develop into so much more. Physical components don't get in way, and true personalities can emerge.

On other hand, many attractions start out as purely physical. In order to endure, they must transcend beyond this level, because images change as we age. Special friendships go beyond superficial to essence of people we are.

Rosalyn Bronstein, for more than 20 years an author and consultant, has been an advisor to numerous multinational corporations and international organizations. Understanding the value of maintaining relationships, www.ntouchnrat.com was created. It's a unique and secure way to never lose touch again with the people who have brought meaning to you life without having to use e-mail.