I firmly believe we need more friction in our lives. So much of what I do is to create less friction in my life. I don’t exercise because I’m tired, or there’s a twinge somewhere. I will get take out because I can’t be bothered to go to the shops or to cook. Not that I actually cook much when I cook, but still. I won’t bother going out because that would mean showering, putting on clothes and being part of the human race. I will grab my phone and amuse myself with bollocks (not actual bollocks) on social media instead of reading a book, making some Lego, doing something constructive.
I just want to caveat this post by saying that I understand there are some who can’t allow more friction in their lives. Whether it be a physical or mental issue, sometimes or all of the time, a little less friction and a little more ease is what is required. For some people what most others might consider ‘normal’ is a lot of friction for them and I want to acknowledge that and support you in that ease. Me, I’m just a lazy fuck.
I’ve had a tough month at work. O woe is me, I know, but with colleagues’ holidays and it being a very busy time and me covering for said colleagues as well as trying to do my work, it’s hard and stressful. There’s lots to think about and juggle. And so I created less friction in my life for this period. I stayed at home a bit more, didn’t get tangled up in so much stuff. And that’s all well and good. But when it’s not like this, when it’s not so hectic, I don’t then readjust to a level of friction that would benefit me. Move more, sleep a little more, cook and eat a little more healthily. I need more friction! And no, for once, that’s not a euphemism for sex.
I’m despairing a little at the prevalence of AI. It’s not actually AI, it’s a more fancier search engine or some extra help with editing photos. That’s what the masses have got at the minute. But AI means less friction. And the machine has become too sycophantic, so the engineers have had to tone it down. I don’t know, I believe your family and friends create useful friction for you. They challenge, push back, needle some times, take the piss. They create a necessary portion of life which is abound with friction. Even going out and meeting new people means you are confronted by new things and some of it will be friction. I’m not saying we need to start coming to blows, but a little rubbing up against each other is a good thing.
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