You walk into a restaurant and you notice a couple seated near you. And you observe that they really are not enjoying this opportunity to be together, because one is patiently waiting for the other to stop talking or texting on the cell phone.
It’s not that technology is inherently bad. It actually helps us connect with people in many positive ways. However, our electronic communication has become an easy way to escape genuine communication. Our ability to connect easily through the web, social media and through cell phones is causing many of us to forget the importance of conversation in developing strong relationships.
Through our relationships we experience laughter, companionship, teamwork, friendship, stress-relief, support, a sense of belonging, love, the list goes on and on. Investing in our relationships is crucial.
During this holiday season when you are spending time with family and friends practice working on interactions with each other that promote face-to-face communication. Boundaries like the ones below help establish a strong family value: When you’re with someone, that relationship is your priority!
Setting Boundaries for Mobile Technology:
- No Devices at the dinner table - Dinner time should be reserved for conversation.
- No phones at restaurants - We all need to find time daily to disconnect from all the information and reconnect with our families. Maybe even leave your cell phones in the car.
- No texting someone when you’re both at home or in the same room - Don’t laugh it happens all the time!
- No texting or talking about really important issues over the phone - This should be done face-to-face unless it is something that can’t wait. You can’t fully understand what that person really means unless you hear the tone of voice or see their face and a lot can be taken the wrong way.
- Regulate use of devices on vacations - Set limits that force the family to interact with each other.
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