Cell Phone Detox Needed

Anyone who knows anything about me knows, I’m addicted to my cell phone. Just to be clear, when I use the word “addicted” I use it in the full sense of the word. Other then plane rides, the last time I can remember having my cell phone off or away from me for more than an hour was in January. For a full week in January, I was cell phone free, and it was glorious. Don’t be deceived however, I did not choose to be without my mobile connection to the world, and I was extremely unhappy to see that I couldn’t even get my phone to keep track of time, as I was on a Caribbean cruise, and apparently towers don’t accurately reach out into the middle of large bodies of water. Cell phone companies should get on that. As I boarded the vessel, I saw that my cell phone was quickly losing bars, I was entering the forbidden and dreaded “dead zone.” Anxiously, I walked around the deck, waving my phone in the air, desperately trying to find a spot where “No Service” would disappear. I was not in luck, and subsequently I was the frustrated moron wandering aimlessly around the boat with a non-working cellular device. At this point, I gave in and powered down the cell phone. Honestly, I should have realized that it was pointless to have the phone, as I was on the cruise with Matt, and the only other people who I have frequent contact with had already been informed that I was going to be out of touch for just over a week. Still, I’m addicted to my constant connection with everyone, and was very stressed that I would miss something hugely critical at home, due to my lack of availability.

My time on the cruise without a phone was very relaxing. The background of my life transformed from “I Believe in Miracles,” “Sister Golden Hair Surprise,” and “Mooo” (the obnoxious cow sound for my text message alerts) to an amazing ocean hum and mariachi band that played on deck. As an addict, it would be logical to assume that my week of cell phone detox would have helped me to move forward and let go of my cell phone obsession. This was not the case. The minute I left the ship, on came the cell phone, and the constant noise and distraction that accompanies it.

In a world where everyone has a cell phone, some basic rules of etiquette should be followed, the operative word in the sentence being “should.” Now I have acknowledged that I spend a ridiculous amount of time on my phone, but this does not mean, I have not figured out when and where cell phones are appropriate.

• Doctor’s Offices: I read a sign that says “Please do not use cell phones for calling or texting while with physician” First of all, in what world is it OK to spend hundreds of dollars per hour on a doctor visit, and at the same time be using a cell phone that is going to take away a significant amount of attention from the visit. While in a doctor’s appointment, what could possibly be more important than listening to the physician?!?! If there is something that pressing that it can’t wait until the 15 minute appointment is over, reschedule. Don’t waste the doctor’s time, its rude.

• Movie Theaters: “Don’t spoil the movie by adding your own soundtrack.” I would like to think that movie theaters implemented this pre-movie slogan so that the pre-teens who recently were allowed cell phone privileges would refrain from texting and calling during the movie. Sadly I don’t think this is the case. As an adult, no one should have to be told that texting and calling people during a movie that I paid $12 to see it NOT OK!! Don’t think I can’t see the light from your phone! The room is dark and your phone has an LCD screen! I can’t lie, I’m guilty of the occasional phone check while I’m in the theater, but I always make it a point to keep the phone deep in my purse, or covered by a sweat-shirt, and I certainly don’t have conversations on my phone while in the theater. So unless it’s an emergency, keep the phone usage in theaters to a minimum, seriously it’s annoying.

• Restaurants: Being in the restaurant industry, this is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand it when people come up to the hostess stand on a cell phone. I’m not going to start talking until I have full attention. I’m not wasting my time, since I know that I’m going to have to repeat myself anyhow. Also, it doesn’t matter how many people are in the group. Whether it’s two or 10, having dinner out is supposed to be an enjoyable experience between the people at the meal. If someone isn’t there, that’s too bad, don’t be rude to the people who are there by chatting throughout the meal.

• Blue Tooth Ear Devices: The ONLY time I think that these are OK is at work, hands free can be quite practical, or while driving. I’m really not sure why people think that they are so important that they must be physically connected at all times to a phone. Reality check, it looks ridiculous and is totally obnoxious to talk to yourself (which is what it looks like!)
  

Like I said before, I’m addicted to my phone. In this day and age, everyone has a cell phone, and most people would put themselves into a category similar to my addicted state. I mean sure, I keep a phone charger in the car for “emergencies,” I keep it on silent all day to conserve precious battery life, and I sleep with my phone next to my bed, just in case…but hey I’m a work in progress. Maybe my connection with my phone is somehow related to the fact that I hate being alone. Or maybe I just use it as a tool to keep myself from being bored all the time, I don’t know. I do know however, that I need to learn to put it down and leave it more often. It is a constant stressor that can easily be eliminated.

Food for Thought: in the last 14 months, I have spent over 11.5 days talking on my cell phone….