19 Comments
User's avatar
Vickie Rubin's avatar

WOW! So powerful and true - Thank you!!!!

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Thank you for your support!

Haseeb Chaudhary's avatar

This is why I’m pushing for a reading culture again. Books are the only cure for this digital noise.

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Agreed, we should focus on it to strengthen our relationships.

Pankaj Wahane's avatar

The line “proximity is not presence” really stayed with me. In a world full of notifications, giving someone your undivided attention might be the purest way to say I care about you.

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Thank you for adding your voice🙏.

Abhimanyu Gokhale Sharma's avatar

Hi! I’m a high school student who writes about philosophy, and the newest advances in biotechnology.

I’m building a community of young minds ( global think tank) and would love for you to join! I would love to read your work! Drop a sub if you’re interested!!

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Appreciate you reaching out, Abhimanyu. Love the curiosity you’re building happy to explore and learn from your community.

alex's avatar

W article.

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Thank you, Alex appreciate it.

alex's avatar

no problem! always happy to read ur stuff

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Thanks I will do the same!

Anil Talwar's avatar

Being physically together is not the same as being truly present. When we protect simple habits like device-free conversations and undistracted listening, we rebuild the emotional closeness that technology often interrupts. In today’s hyper-connected world, genuine presence may be the rarest and most valuable gift we can offer the people we love.

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Well said, Anil. Presence is becoming intentional and that’s where real connection lives.

Chantel Grant's avatar

Hi Manpreet, I really loved your reflection on digital distraction and relationships.

The quiet moments you described felt so real. The small glances at a phone. Half listening. Being physically present but mentally somewhere else. You captured something many of us recognize but rarely stop to examine.

What I appreciated most was your tone. Gentle. Thoughtful. Inviting reflection without making the reader feel scolded. That balance is a gift.

I shared your piece in my Friday round-up because it reminded me how precious attention really is in relationships. You can read it here: https://alwaysbereading.substack.com/p/2282026-subscriber-weekly-round-up

Thank you for writing with such care.

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Thank you, Chantel this means a lot. You captured the essence beautifully. Grateful you shared it.

Easy Weezy's avatar

Beautifully written and here is the awakening the consciousness need, have a good one!!

Manpreet Hayer's avatar

Thank you for your feedback, stay connected!

Easy Weezy's avatar

you welcome and do have a good one mate!!!