I love my cell phone…absolutely a fabulous invention. Between music, books, calendars and contact with others I can get some much done remotely. Don’t come between me and my phone LOL. That being said, I miss the days that I could leave my house without that connection.
When phones had cords, we were free. We didn’t have expectations placed on us to respond to someone immediately. We didn’t have these tethers to some device that bound us to the world. With all of this access at our fingertips, the world follows us wherever we go….is that actually a good thing? At times yes, at times no. How good are we at making that distinction? As a society, are we placing unhealthy boundaries, or really no boundaries, on people? It really bothers me when I hear of people saying,
“Why didn’t you comment on my post?”
“Why didn’t you message me back(after 20mins)?”
What kind of instant gratification people are we that we get bothered if people don’t answer our call, text, email immediately? Really…I’m going to let you in on a secret….you don’t owe ANYBODY ANYTHING. Yes that was intentionally shouted at you. I want you to get this. You are under no obligation to respond to people. It is absolutely your choice to do this. If people aren’t returning your messages…..well….again, as your friend, that’s a signal. Are you blowing up their phone? Are you forwarding dumb emails? I know I am guilty of doing this from time to time, both sides of this coin. As you, and I, reflect on how we are bound to our devices, be truthful and respectful…and also kind. Be kind to others and yourself for our stumbles. We are humans trying to manage and balance our lives, we get to have some grace too.
So which side do you fall on? Are you good about creating boundaries with your devices?