Putting the phone down...

There's a movement afoot and it revolves around our cell phones.  Another blogger wrote a post about divorcing his phone this year; a video illustrates how many people miss out on whats around them because they're only looking through the lens of the camera on the phone.

I think the concept of stepping away from the phone is great but we as humans need to take an action before we step away from the phone and begin actual interaction - stop acting liking we're on a reality TV show.  These shows and the "entertainment" they provide make it appear it's perfectly OK to make digs, snide comments, or backhanded compliments TO OUR FRIENDS.  Forget that we would never speak to a stranger like that but to a friend.

Case example:
I had two friends from my life with my ex that provide the appearance they're good people and amazing friends.  I went to lunch with "John," "Jane," and "Paul" (another mutual friend) on a pretty emotional day for me and during the course of the lunch, Paul was on the receiving end of comment after comment from John.  Some went after his intelligence, some went after his accent (he was born and raised in Europe), but none of the comments lifted Paul in any way.  Jane, John's then fiancee, sat by Paul and said nothing.  At one point, I looked at John and and whispered "Why do you talk to him like that?"  To which his response was "Because that's how he likes it."

Wow.  Those comments are pretty close to actual because they burned into my memory.  So not only is it OK to talk to a friend like shit, friends actually like it.  "X" used to come home from working with John and Paul livid and angry with how John treated Paul.  It's something that we all do; yes, myself included though I've tried to pay attention comments I make after the above incident.  But we're none perfect.

So if you've joined the movement to put your phone down and step away, make the commitment to remember the golden rule - treat others as you would like to be treated.  Think before you speak.  Speak it before you type it.  Honor your friendships.