After the tone, please record your message. . .

I hate cell phones. Anyone who claims to be my friend probably knows my voicemail recording by memory. And to those friends. . .please don't take it personally. It's not that I don't want to talk to YOU, it's that I simply don't want to talk on the phone at all. Or it could be buried in my purse on silent. I think people are far too concerned with checking their blackberry or talking to/texting every last known person they've met than they are with what is actually happening around them. Now I get that I am the extreme anti-phone and there is a happy medium, but most people are the extreme phone obsessed. On my run yesterday I passed 3 different people walking/running while on the phone. One conversation consisted of "omg, I know, I can't believe she wore that." Really? It's a beautiful day out, we were near the park where people were laughing and playing and you would rather be on the phone, while running (which I also don't get because frankly I can't breath let alone talk while I run) than enjoying the sounds and sights of a beautiful spring day?? I think people are afraid to be alone. I think people are scared of their own thoughts and of spending time with themselves. If you ever notice someone sitting by themselves at a restaurant or in a waiting room, 9 times out of 10 they have their phone out. Sure, it kills time while waiting, but so would chatting with the guy next to you or reading a book. Personally, for me to have a meaningful conversation where I am actually paying attention to what the other person is saying I need to be in a fairly quiet place without a ton of people around. I don't see the point in having a conversation where you are not fully engaged and therefore, do not see the point of trying to have a conversation while I am also shopping for groceries at Meijer. That dear friends is why I don't answer when you call. It's because I care and want all our conversations to be meaningful (insert doubtful laughter here). But really, you're missing out on a lot happening around you and in your own head if you are constantly on the phone. There are people and things in real life that deserve your attention too. And if we are hanging out and your phone rings mid-conversation, don't answer. It's fucking rude. (Emergencies are an exception of course)  :)