The addiction

I've often thought about how much I rely on my phone. Not so uncommon for someone in this day and age, and especially not so uncommon for a Gen Y. It's definitely something I notice - in myself, in my husband, in my sister, in my friends. 

As bad as I know it is, I often check my phone when I am in the car. I know, I know. Not only is it down right illegal, but it's unnecessary, distracting, and just plain silly. 

So I was given an awful wake up call this morning. 

I got into work and had the following discussion with a colleague. 

Him: Were you working from home this morning? 

Me: No, why? 

Him: Because I saw that you accepted my meeting request as soon as I sent it. 

Me: Oh. Yeah, I just accepted it on my phone. 

Him: When you were driving?

Me: (sheepishly). Yeah... I guess. 

At this point he laughs knowingly, so of course I get on the defensive and ask what he's laughing at. 

Him: Well, I'm not surprised you check your phone when you're driving. You're always on it!

Me: What do you mean? 

Him: Whenever I come into your office, you regularly check your phone. You'll often reply to texts and emails whilst we are talking. 

Me: Surely not. 

Him: Yes, definitely. 

Me: I don't do that!
Him: Yes, yes you do. 

Me: How frequently?  

Him: I'd say once every 5 minutes. You often interrupt the conversation to say 'hang on, I just need to reply to this', so I just wait until you're done. But then you've often forgotten what we were talking about.

I was mortified. Not because I interrupt conversations to do things on my smart phone (though that's pretty awful), but because I didn't even realise that I was doing it. It's so rude, and ironically, something I am really critical of in other people. 

So, wake up call received. I've told my colleague that the next time he comes in to talk, I'll be putting my phone in a drawer. 

Wish me luck!