Resignation To The Way Things Are.
I was at a party the other day and one of the guests
remarked that it was nice and noteworthy that there was no one busy on their
cell phone, no one texting, not one had even taken their phone out during the
day. And we were talking with each other. Of course this was a get-together for baby boomer aged adults, and no one under 45 was invited.
I reflected on that comment. It was true. We all focused
on each other, and had no use for the cell phones that often take over today's get-togethers.
For the first time though, I sort of understand it. I
agree that I liked it better when we all talked, played games, interacted, but
the world has changed. And we are sounding a bit like our parents, “What’s the
matter with you listening to that long hair beatle music and watching that whipper-snapper twist his hips?” The truth is, we don’t like the current social groups because
we are not used to them, we did not grow up with them, and our way is always the
best.
So I am trying to understand the fascination with the
games online, and the tweeting and the texting and the emailing.
And I admit there is something magical about texting your son and having him
come on in about a minute and less and answer your comment. So its not all bad,
just different.
But here’s my top ten of irritations of the cell phone
age.
1
People talking on cell phones in restaurants while their family sits quietly by, waiting
for them to finish. Nearby tables are also waiting.
People who HAVE
to answer their call, even if they are in line to pay for their groceries and
do the whole process juggling groceries, car keys, credit card and phone.
People who talk
on speaker phones in public so you can REALLY
hear everything.
People in
meetings who always have have to take phone calls during the
meeting. Their ring tones are loud renditions of marching sounds that will forever play out in my brain as earworms.
People who
totally ignore signs in Dr. offices, asking for all cell phones to be turned
off.
People who are on
the cellphone as they are driving. (cars, bikes, what-not)
People who are on
the cellphone as they have "quality" time with their child.
People who wear
earpieces on their ears permanently because their calls are extremely
important.
People who are
texting while you are having a conversation with them.
Trying to pretend that
you do not hear the intimate conversation going on with the stranger next to
you.
So don't misunderstand. I have a cell phone and I know how to use it. Well, sort of. Most of it is a mystery. You won't see me carry it everywhere with me because there is rarely anything of that importance that cannot wait. The best things about cell phones?
You don't have to get out of the car to find a phone booth.
You don't have a party line.
There is no cord attached to them!
And they come in more than just basic black.
