By Bena Nekesa
Visiting friends and family has long been the glue that holds relationships together.
It is how we bond, create cherished memories, and provide support through life’s inevitable rollercoaster. But in today’s fast-paced world, has visiting become a lost art? Do we only knock on doors when duty demands it, or does it still play a crucial role in keeping connections alive?
And then there is the age-old debate: should you always call before visiting, or is a surprise drop-in the ultimate sign of love and affection? To get to the bottom of this, I spoke to a few people about the importance of visiting and how it shapes relationships in the modern world.
Why visiting matters
Saviour Wafula is a firm believer that visiting is more than just a polite social gesture. It is a fundamental part of maintaining meaningful relationships.
“People visit to nurture friendships, share life’s joys and struggles, and create lasting memories,” he says.
He points out that visits should not be reserved for crises alone. “We visit not just to offer a shoulder to cry on, but also to celebrate, to laugh, and to simply enjoy the presence of those we care about,” he adds.
In an era where communication is dominated by texts and social media, Wafula insists that face-to-face interactions have a unique emotional weight.
“A WhatsApp message or a phone call can never replace the warmth of a hug, the joy of a shared meal, or the subtle comfort of simply sitting in the same room,” he says.
According to Kevina Nanzala, visiting is a way to reinforce bonds and ensure that people feel valued.
She emphasises that while technology keeps us connected, it lacks the depth of physical presence.
“Sometimes, all a person needs is to see you in front of them. A visit can brighten someone’s day, remind them they matter, and bring a little warmth to their life,” she says.
Changing attitude towards visiting
Once upon a time, surprise visits were the norm. People popped round unannounced, and their hosts greeted them with a cup of tea and a warm smile. But times have changed.
Joseph Kuloba reflects on this shift: “There was a time when visiting someone unannounced was expected and even appreciated. Now, many people get anxious when they hear a knock at the door they weren’t expecting.”
He believes modern life has made people more protective of their personal time.
“We have busier schedules, longer working hours, and moments of solitude we don’t want disturbed. While visiting remains important, it is also crucial to respect people’s time and space,” he says.
However, Kuloba also argues that true friendships and strong family ties should allow for a little spontaneity.
“If someone is truly close to you, they should not need an appointment to see you. A real friend or family member should not be greeted with suspicion just because they decided to drop by,” he says.
Oliver Nakeyenze offers a middle ground: “There are people you can visit anytime, and they’ll be delighted to see you. Others might prefer a quick heads-up. It all depends on the relationship.”
She recalls instances where unexpected visits turned into moments of pure joy. “There have been times when I’ve dropped in on someone, and they were genuinely thrilled. Sometimes, the best moments are the ones you don’t plan,” she says.
Lasting impact of face-to-face interaction
With technology making communication instant and effortless, are physical visits still necessary?
According to Wafula, a hug, a handshake, or just sitting in comfortable silence can communicate more than a thousand text messages.
Nanzala agrees, saying that making the effort to visit someone in person shows effort, care, and the desire to be present in their life.
Kuloba adds that visiting builds trust. “If someone makes the effort to visit you often, you know they are reliable. You don’t have to wonder if they’ll be there when you need them—they’ve already proven it,” he says.
Keeping tradition
Visiting is not just about ticking a social box, it is an act of love, a way to strengthen relationships, and an opportunity to create lasting memories. While modern life has made spontaneous visits less common, the value of being physically present has not changed.
Perhaps, it is time we revive the tradition of visiting, not just when necessity demands it, but as a way of showing we care. A phone call is nice, and a text is convenient, but nothing beats seeing a familiar face at your doorstep.
So, next time you think of a friend or family member, do not just send an emoji, make the visit. Whether planned or impromptu, it might just be the best thing you do that day.
