Nothing new with this gripe…most of us have voiced it. What is it? Well “it” is the blatant thoughtlessness and rudeness of people checking texts or taking a call while talking to someone else.
Yes, I have done it too, but I try to minimize such insensitive and rude actions on my part. And, when I think I just cannot be separated from my mobile device, I try to give others a heads up by apologizing in advance should an important message or call come through that I need to take. Even that, however, could be deemed a bit rude to some degree.
Why not just say to folks: “Can we talk another time when I am not distracted by an important message or call I am expecting? I want to be totally focused when we talk.”
Who would not agree that it is a wonderful and appreciated feeling to know you have someone’s undivided attention – to know they are truly listening and most of all – that they obviously care. And better yet is when their actions clearly show that they heard and understood what was shared with them. How true the quip:
“Your actions are sooooooo loud, that I cannot hear what you are saying!”
It’s beyond sad that truly listening to others with our undivided attention seems tragically on its way to becoming a forgotten value in today’s 90 mph-paced world. I for one do NOT want to be a part of the downward spiral when it comes to losing our common courtesies and kindnesses. Every day I work hard to give others the “gift” of my total, undivided attention when they are talking with me.
Sure..…I backslide from time to time, but at least I am catching myself more when I do these days and that’s a small step in the right direction. And, the more we practice thoughtful and good habits, the more they will “stick” and become a natural action and reaction for us.
Bottom line: Thinking about and truly giving someone our undivided attention is a daily commitment that must be made and re-made as we disconnect more from our mobile devices and practice plain old fashion courtesies.
By the way, I also give the rude ones who look at their phones throughout a conversation a “gift” as well. What is that gift? First, I always offer to delay our conversation until they are less busy and can focus (a “gift” of sorts). Most – fortunately – decide to put their devices down and continue our conversation. Others opt to continue dividing attention between me and their mobile device. In those situations, I either take control and leave the conversation (a “gift” to myself) or I bite my tongue as I withhold what I am really thinking about them (that’s the “gift!”)and their lack of respect for my time and me!
We can all do better at minimizing this annoying and all-too-common rude fixation with our mobile devices. So — let’s just do it as “they” say and work hard at putting our #*$(#)%)@% dang phones down when talking with others!
