Textaholic

Hey

I am ready to admit that I have a problem. I am addicted to my cell phone (no its not a crackberry)! (I can’t afford one)

It’s not even a nice one; I’m just a product of my environment. The social media age, the Now! Now! Now! generation. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and I highly doubt I’m the only one.

I’m currently on detox (somewhere between the fourth/ fifth step), surprisingly it’s not that hard. I mean, a cell is a great convenience (and a welcome distraction during class) but it comes with its set of problems.

I am one of I have recently got use to having it on me, or within arms reach (even in the shower). In this day, and age, that is normal (trust me, I did research!) However, since I have given my cell phone a restraining order I’ve noticed that I have indirectly neglected people in my life (or phone contacts list).

With neglect, come consequences, numerous “cuss offs,” silent treatments and even people complaining to my mom! The people who are closest to me know that I no long have my phone 24/7, so why the complaints?

Since my phone isn’t near me most of the time, why are they surprised when I reply to a text 20 minutes later? And they know I do not pick up my phone before 6!

One of my friends told me, after I replied “too late” (5 mins. after the text reached my phone) “I asked u that like 10 yrs. Ago- *kiss teeth!”

So this got me thinking, and questions start forming.
Now I have a question (yeah, you knew it was coming) does owning a cell phone automatically mean that you’re on demand?

My answer is no!

Correction, HELL NO!

I am not a genie who appears right after you dial my number.
I’m not video-on-demand or anything like that. If there is a rule that states the length of time you have to reply to a text or missed call. Is that time limit set at 5 minutes? If so, where was I when that memo was given?

This take-off of social media, everyone is easily connected and because of this people assume that you are always available. I’m guilty of it as well, but I’ve learned.

I mean if it’s important find another way to contact me (I’m a student – so I’m usually in class). I don’t have a voicemail for the same reason. I have a wonderful (but expensive) (*ahem Rogers) thing called caller ID. Like most voicemail recorders say “I’ll get back to you AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Moral of the story: I’m not purposely avoiding anyone, if I don’t automatically reply it’s not because I don’t care – I just don’t have my phone on me!

Just another thought,
Unltd Love,

SM