KALEIDOSCOPE

In today’s fast paced society, the phenomenon is seen every day, everywhere:  cell phone addiction.  People are walking, people are driving, people are checking out at the grocery store or shopping for clothes while they are talking on the cell phone; people can even be heard talking on their cell phone while using the public rest room.

It is truly amazing that, with the invention of the cell phone and the little blue tooth adaptation that fits in the ear, many people haven’t a clue about communication between two people face to face.  Rather than put the cell phone on vibrate or silence, people will answer a ringing cell phone while in the middle of talking to someone else; or if they are not talking on the phone, they are texting someone while they are talking to you.  It is most unnerving to be engaged in a conversation and have the person’s cell phone ring, and have that person answer their phone and begin a conversation with the person on the phone.  We rarely have the other person’s undivided attention in a conversation anymore.

It is inconceivable to many people that they should hang up the phone when they order at fast food establishments or even in restaurants.  Shopping while talking on the cell phone has become normal behavior to many people.

Ladies and gentlemen.  It is time to relearn the etiquette for having a face to face conversation.  First, turn off the cell phone, or at least put it on vibrate.  Second, give the person you are having the conversation with your undivided attention.  Enjoy what the other person is saying.  Ask questions and contribute ideas and information.   Reclaim the politeness necessary for a face to face conversation.