That’s what friends are for… maybe not.

First understand that this is a story told from the heart, mind and frustration of an introvert. That being said, understand I am not upset, I am simply puzzled and probably mildly annoyed at the actions of a friend.

Second please note that I do know there are other underlying issues that cause rudeness or lack of attention.

Background:
Over the course of my 32 years I have made good friends, moved on from good and bad friends, and discovered there are such things as “convenience” friends. People who only care to be around you when it suits them and when it doesn’t they blow you off at the drop of a hat, the blink of an eye or an ignore button on a cell phone… no words necessary, just ignore-ance… or ignorance....

Why is that? Let’s examine:
We live in an ever-increasing technological world wherein four people riding down the road in the same vehicle will all be on the phone. That might be humorous if it weren’t so sad. We have a complete disregard for the human being sitting right next to us.

We value the wrong things, we treat each other poorly and we expect “oh well, they will get over it” such utter disdain we demonstrate when we overlook another person.

We have bad attitudes. Shame on us. Especially those of us who claim to be followers of Christ. I have been ignored for a TV program, a laptop, a video game, and a cell phone (I did say technology so I won’t name other non-tech, but they do exist). Living, breathing me matters less than plastic, circuit boards, and pixels.

Wow, that’s tough, and while it irks me to my marrow to be with someone who isn’t paying attention when I rarely see them anyway, I sadly admit I have done the same thing. I’m no less guilty, just extremely conscious of it. So much so that I end all calls (except with my Grandmother) before checking out with a cashier… because she/he is a living breathing person who should be acknowledged as more than a self-checkout machine we don’t even speak to….

For the love of another person, put your tech away and interact with the person across from you for a change.