iPHONE ADDICTION DISORDER

It's rampant, it's addictive, it's contagious.

Yesterday Honeybuns and I went out for lunch after church, our normal Sunday activity.  For several weeks now we've been observing the same behavior amongst our fellow diners no matter where we go for Sunday chow.

We've made a conscious effort to speak to and smile at  children, elderly folks, wives, husbands, friends that are obviously very much  ALONE  and LONELY while sitting across the table from their loved ones.  No matter what the age, the sad look is identical.  A kind word or smile is eagerly acknowledged.

Their loved ones are staring at or playing games on their phones!  You've seen it, too.  It's not just a Dallas disease, but a pandemic across the nation.

We've noticed small children sitting quietly,  being totally ignored, while both parents are intently involved with their phones.  Husbands and wives are totally dismissed while one or the other plays a game or checks their e-mail.  Grandmas and Grandpas are staring out the window while their family members check out the latest games. Usually NO ONE is talking on their phones, that would be rude, I guess.  But they are immersed in whatever is happening on that small screen even though their family members are sitting right in front of them.

Yesterday we watched a father play games on his phone while his teenage daughter politely sat across the table watching him.  She looked very sad, and I wondered when this Daddy would regret this activity.  Her time with him is so very short. I'm sure a day will come when he decides she is or WAS more important than a video game.

EVERY single table in that very crowded, very popular upscale bakery held the same scene.  It was unbelievable.

I saw a quote recently, "Our phones keep us connected with many, but disconnects us with the people sitting across from us."

And another with a picture of a lonely child, "I wish I were a phone so my mommy and daddy would hold ME all day."

It's EASY to catch the iPhone Addiction Disorder.  The symptoms manifest before you know it and before long you've got a full blown case. Compare it to alcohol, prescription drugs, or cannabis.  It's a sneaky, sly bug!

SO......I've made some guidelines for ME!  (You can steal them if you please.)  I'm comparing these "rules" to taking vitamins, exercising, taking a bath, eating lots of greens,  and drinking lots of water.  It's preventative action for healthy relationships.  (Some of these are easier than others.)

1.   When I enter a restaurant with ANYONE, the phone stays in the car.
2.   When I'm driving....its in my purse in the backseat.
3.   When I have company at my house it's turned off and in my purse in the laundry room.
4.   It is never allowed in the bedroom.
5.   When I'm at a meeting of ANY kind, it's turned off and stays in my purse or IF it's church, it's in the car.
6.   When I'm at ANYONE'S house, ditto.

These little technological wonders can control our lives to the point that we are no longer living our lives with the most important people on earth.   A reminder: that isn't a phone you are holding, it is a tiny computer with access to the world and you can also make a call.

 Seriously!  Who needs to play video poker at a birthday party?

We babyboomers remember when the telephone was attached to the wall, so I think I can put this demanding marvel in its rightful place.  When it beeps, it can wait.

And I'll continue to strike up conversations with those lonely folks abandoned by it.