Today I got an instant message from someone I’d not heard from in months and things started off politely, the usual “How have you been?” etc. Not one minute into the conversation things turned to “Yeah, I’m having trouble with my computer, do you think you can take a look at it for me?” I wish I could say that this is the first time something like this has happened to me, but it’s not, and I struggle to understand why people think it’s OK.

Everyone has friends that come and go. Sometimes you won’t hear from someone for months or even years before you catch up and I’m OK with that. Maybe it’s just me, but when the only time I hear from someone is when they need help with their computer, I’m offended. If you’re someone that I talk with on a fairly regular basis and you need help with something, I’ll be more than happy to assist in any way I can, but if I haven’t heard from you in months and then all of a sudden you try to be all chummy when your gadget it on the fritz, how can you not think that I’d feel hurt by it, or cheap a best? Yes, we all have Facebook, so I know when you’re going out on the town and having a great time, but if I’m not worth your time when it’s time to have fun, don’t expect me to be thrilled when you come to me in your time of need.

Is this a problem that’s unique to “computer guys” or is it more widespread? Am I being unreasonable? What do you think?