We’ve all seen it.
Many of us guilty of it.
What is it?
It’s the act of not paying attention to the people we are with or the people around us.
Many of us have a cell phone that appears to be connected to our hands. We’re constantly texting others or checking emails, the internet or social networks.
There was a time when people would talk to each other at bus stops or while sitting and waiting for someone while out and about shopping.
If out to dinner with someone, they had our undivided attention.
Sitting at home, a conversation could go longer than a few minutes without an interruption.
But, today, take a look around. Couples are at dinner and there’s a cell phone on the table. As soon as it vibrates or rings, the owner just has to answer it.
Standing at a bus stop, instead of looking around and possibly talking to someone, our heads are down and a cell phone is in our hands.
We walk along the sidewalk with our heads down as we check emails and text.
And, because cell phones have cameras, we don’t even get to enjoy a concert or special event. Why? Because instead of watching the performers on stage, we’re taking video and pictures to upload.
Why not take videos and pictures with our minds so we can remember those concerts whenever we want?
For those who don’t have cell phones, it’s probably difficult to wonder how someone can be so attached to something so small.
Yes, it connects us to the world, but it doesn’t connect us to the person who is standing right beside us or sitting across from us.
Wouldn’t it be great if there could be one day a month where electronic devices couldn’t be used, even if it’s just for a morning or afternoon?
But what’s even worse than setting aside a scheduled time for doing without our electronic devices, is that the time has to be scheduled in the first place.
As you go about your daily duties, turn your phone off. When you are with someone, turn off your phone – don’t even put it on vibrate.
When you go to a meeting, be respectful and turn off your phone. It’s amazing how many people have to be told to turn off their phones.
Some people aren’t even embarrassed when their phone rings during a meeting. And then, instead of turning it off right away, they grab it, say hello (yes, this is during a meeting), get up and walk out, all the while talking.
What about those people who are walking down the sidewalk and bump into you because they are looking down at their phone. They mumble sorry, or worse yet, curse you because you bumped into each other.
It’s time society became polite again.
Put down your phone.
Turn it off.
Enjoy the company of the person you are with. Give them your undivided attention.
How disrespectful it feels to be trying to enjoy a meal or coffee with someone while their thumbs are click-click-clicking away as you just sit there and wait.
Take the time to remember what you are doing and leave that phone in your pocket or purse. Or better yet, leave it at home or on your office desk.
Yes, emergencies happen. And yes, if you own a cell phone and didn’t answer it right away when an emergency call came in, you would feel guilty. But, remember, there was a time when you weren’t available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the world continued to revolve and operate.
Let’s bring back RESPECT.
