Some of us, maybe more than would like to admit, are addicted to our phones. You see it everywhere.
Recently my wife and I traveled to Tampa to see the Red Sox play the Rays. While waiting for our flight home at the airport I happened to look around at the gate. First of all I have to say that people watching at the airport is FANTASTIC! Sure, you can people watch anywhere but I think the airport is THE BEST place. There are people from all over the country and maybe the world. So many interesting fashions and habits. Am I the only one who looks around and wonders what their stories are? Where are they going? Where have they been?
Anyway, I looked around our gate area and noticed that just about everybody was on their phone. They were either talking, watching a video, listening to music or scrolling through whatever site they were on. The lady reading a book stood out because she was the exception. I’ll admit it, the only reason I noticed was because I put my phone down to take a sip of my overpriced airport Starbucks.
While I’m at it I have a question: Why do you think it’s appropriate to have your call on “speaker” while you’re in a busy airport? Do you really think the rest of us want to hear your conversation? And if you’re answer is, “I like to be hands free,” how’s that working out for you since you have to hold the microphone near your face so they can hear you?
Where was I?
The other night Priscilla’s cousins took us out to eat at a place called Caddy’s at Indian Shore. It was a beautiful location right along the Intercoastal Waterway. We sat out on the deck and watched the boats go by. The food was great and there was a band playing. When we got up to leave I happened to walk by a table of four and I noticed they were all on their phones. It looked like a family, a man, woman and two teens and they all had their heads stuck in their phones.
I’m not going to try and convince you that I’ve never looked at my phone in a restaurant but I try to keep it in my pocket when I’m with others. I may place it on the table but at least I put it face down so I won’t be distracted by every notification. It just seems rude and what does that say about you when the whole table would rather scroll than talk to each other.
It brought to mind a meme that I saw once quoting the Eagles.
I do have to admit that our addiction has created a strong meme game.
I do have to say that not everyone suffers with this addiction. My wife, Priscilla, is famous for not having her cell phone with her around the house. I’ll make some comment hours after one of the kids has sent us a picture.
Priscilla: “Oh I haven’t seen it. I haven’t been on my phone for hours.”
Pete: “Are you even human?!”
I try to keep my phone in my pocket since I had my stroke. You never know when you might need help so it’s good advice if you have a loved one who has had a health issue to make sure they always have their phone with them.
Priscilla said she noticed the kids waiting for the school bus the other morning were all staring at their phones. The bus stop used to be a place to horse around or gossip every morning. Now? Not so much.
I do think I’m seeing a bit of change though. I think some people are getting tired of always being connected. We just might be realizing that we need a break and it’s actually nice to have some personal contact. I hope we get back to enjoying being with each other instead of being afraid to miss a post or text. Maybe try a phone free night or put them all in a basket at dinner time. Who knows? You might actually enjoy it.
Be sure to text me about it later.
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