Technology

I hate cell phones.

I have one as do my husband, both older daughters, and my oldest son.  We also have one we call the kid's phone that the youngers use when they have to go out to babysit or off somewhere.  I understand the need: no more pay phones, people without house phones, blah, blah.  Still, I hate taking cells out to dinner or on a drive or to visit friends and family.  I feel like the third wheel.  My husband and his phone having a great conversation while I sit and play with the straw in my iced tea.  One of the daughters chatting with her phone while I pick out a good head of lettuce in the produce aisle.  So why have a cell phone?  And what does this have to do with adult children?

Cell phones are the current means of communication.  Nothing I can do will change that.  As foreign as it feels if I want to effectively and efficiently communicate with this next generation I must participate in the cell phone thing.  I do so kicking and screaming. 

Sometimes I forget my phone someplace.  You would think it was a national emergency.  Everybody starts calling or texting whomever I might be with.  I get lectures from at least two people.  I have to text or call everyone who may have been texted or called to find me so they know I have been found.  I hate cell phones.  Maybe I didn't want to be found.  Maybe I drive through the dead spots so I can't be called in the car.  And no, I don't take my cell to the bathroom with me.  Wait long enough for me to pee!

There are a number of people I know who just refuse to do the cell thing.  The world is changing.  So many people don't have land lines anymore in their houses.  I can not in all good conscience let my kids go babysit without a cell at a house without a land line.  So don't let them babysit at a house without a land line, you might say.  That would seriously limit their income.  I guess I have to change with the world.  After all, it is not morally compromising unless you use it that way; it does not hurt anyone; it is not against my religion; it is not a bad thing.  I just don't like it. 

I give in because it keeps me in communication with my kids.  We still sit around the table and talk.  They still come to the kitchen to ask me advice while I am cooking.  We still joke around together doing after-supper chores.  The cell gives us another avenue.  They can ask me questions they don't want anyone else to hear.  They share pictures of whatever they are doing.  The cells have not replaced our face-to-face so I bite the bullet.

I still hate cell phones.  And I have not given in to the smart phone.  I draw the line at a phone that is smarter than me.