Date Night

In some ways technology has improved communication for the better, but in some ways we are less in touch with people.  For example, sending a text to someone is fast and simple, they can look at it when they have time to spare, and you can send it in just a few seconds without a lengthy, chatty phone call.  I can send a quick "I'm in the parking lot" to my kids without having to go in and get them, or text my husband a quick grocery list.  On the other hand, we lose some good old fashioned opportunities for one on one conversation and sharing of ideas, or even the benefits of just listening to someone or having them listen to you.

So lets talk about date night.  My husband and I have a policy of going out together once a week.  It used to be just the two of us, but that has expanded over the years.  Now its just the two of us and whatever gadget is poplular at the moment.  It started with an iPod touch.  We would sit across the table from each other and talk while he played solitaire.  Then, he graduated to an iPad, which he carried with him everywhere.  I teased him that it was attached by an umbilical cord because he never went anywhere without it.  Since I felt ignored, I started bringing my iPod so I had something to do while he was playing his game.  That way, I didn't feel left out.

Over time it evolved to other games, and then he started reading.  He says he can read and carry on a conversation at once, but it's like having a conversation in slow motion and pretty painful.  But I compensated by bringing along Candy Crush to fill the long pauses.

Next I noticed he had headphones on - all the time!!  (or a lot of the time) so I have to get his attention somehow before I can say anything to him because he can't hear me.  The last and final straw is movies.  Now he's not just listening to background music, but his eyes are required also.  It's like living with a ghost.  He's there, but not really.  He says it helps him cope with his chronic back pain.  So how do I cope with his coping mechanisms?  I have my iPad to keep me busy while I'm feeling left out of his world.  I just have to wonder, are we going to wake up one day and realize "Who needs human interaction?  All we really need is our devices."  Just sayin'.