Feeling the odd one out

Sitting at a friend's house having a get-together, I was looking forward to the prospect of stimulating good conversation, catching up on everyone's news; to laugh and generally have a break from the every day worries and concerns that engulf us all. As I sat there, expectantly waiting for someone to start talking, I realised I was the odd one out. For a change, I wasn't the odd one out for having two chronic diseases, but felt singled out for a very different reason. Each person was absorbed in either texting someone in great urgency, reading an e-mail that had just arrived necessitating immediate attention, apologetically making a phone call that could not be left till later, or typing a date into their diary of extreme importance. They were all so engrossed in their smart phones, that they appeared to have forgotten the purpose of us getting together. Eventually I opened my mouth, not able to contain myself any longer, and asked if anyone would like to actually talk. Their astonished faces were a picture as they suddenly all looked at me whilst still clutching their precious smart phones that they could not possibly function without, and I began to wonder where present technology has lead us. The possibilities and functions that these smart phones can perform are truly amazing, and without doubt a huge help in our busy lives, where time is precious and there never seem to be enough hours in the day. However, I don't think that our lives should revolve around a piece of technology (however great it is) or that the world will fall apart if whilst in company for an hour or two, you leave your smart phone in your bag. I may be old fashioned, but I call it common courtesy, when in company it would be a smart move to leave your phone alone and take time to enjoy communicating with those around you.