As if texting didn't already cause enough problems
And as texting becomes so ingrained as a way of life for the younger generation, we often find ourselves fighting the urge to read text messages on our phones while driving - a strict no-no for anyone. The dangers are quite real. I recently heard of a young lady rear-ending a bus, for no other reason than she was just texting and not paying attention to what she was doing while on the road.
Well, beyond these negatives, and the fact that the whole texting and Smartphone culture has become pretty pathetic (yes, I get sucked into it as well), there is yet one more danger that lurks just beyond the keypad...
The love note.
If you are familiar with such things, you know how many phones keep a running conversation going for text streams, where you see your message, followed by the recipient's response and then your response and so on? Therein lies the danger.
I was carrying on a text conversation the other day with my wife, so I thought I'd drop her a little note of my deep affection and love for her. The response?
"Uh... okay. I love you too..."
As it was, I had forgotten that I had received a message from a male friend of mine, which resulted in my phone being set on HIS phone number, not my wife's. Then it struck me, I had sent my friend a text telling of my love... for him.
OK, if this unfolding in your mind makes you chuckle, imagine how my wife unloaded as I shared this with her, and she shared it with her mom, and my daughter, and my daughter's friend, and the list just goes on and on by now I'm sure. I can only imagine the fun my friend and his family had with my mushiness, as four hours later, I received a text from him pondering the question, "Just checking, do you still love me?"
Well, I assured him I still did, but that was actually not the first time I had done this, as a couple of weeks ago I absent-mindedly asked my sister-in-law what she wanted to do that night, and yes, reminded her that I loved her as well.
So, as for my friends and relatives, none are safe from my expression of love, all thanks to the boldness I received from the emotional detachment of my cell phone, and a slight dose attention-deficit.
But don't make fun of me (OK, you probably should), because if you're a texter this likely sounds vaguely familiar. If you text on a regular basis, I'd be willing to bet this has happened to you at least once.
It is, however, a fun reminder of the importance of paying attention to detail, whether texting, driving or whatever you're up to. Because if you don't, things can go humorously or horribly wrong.
But in any case, it also should remind us to share our love with others, because you never know whose day you may make brighter!