Here you go another of my articles from the Irish Examiner’s Feelgood magazine. I think it could be titled, ‘The joy’s and sorrows of texting’
I love my phone. I know it’s not PC to say so but I do.
Being a certain age I believe I’m part of the first generation to rear children in a world of Google and Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram. Where you can go online to look up anything from a recipe for dinner, to sites which facilitate extra marital affairs. A world miles away from the one I grew up in.
I’m not saying we were without technology, didn’t we have a radio and a television? But it was
rather different. We owned one television, a large black and white one, with a small screen and an enormous back to it. When you turned it on, you could have gone to finish your homework it took so long to heat up. Luckily I grew up in Dublin which meant we got three British channels as well as RTE 1 and 2, the sky of its time! However viewing was strictly evenings and wet days only.
The world has indeed moved on since then, would you believe my gang never watch television? Before you congratulate me on being an amazing mother I must confess, that’s because they spend their lives on their laptops, phones or tablets.
Yet who am I to judge as in all honesty I too enjoy being online. I’ve a personal blog and through it have met many people, from all over the world. Last year a fellow blogger from the U.S came to Ireland, and we arranged to meet. My children enjoyed quoting my many warnings to them about meeting people from the internet.
“She says she’s a woman but how can you be so sure?”
“You think you know her, but do you?”
“Maybe she’s crazy and planning to kill you?”
As it turned out she was as lovely in real life as online and our friendship continues, but my double standards were not lost on me. Nor was the fact that the internet and technology can be a wonderful asset in our lives.
However nothing is perfect and even texting has its dangers. A while back I sent a string of texts
in error to someone I’d only met once. It was my son’s teacher, and I’d stored her name next to his. If she’s married to a man of a suspicious nature, I suspect she’s in big trouble as one Sunday night I texted,
“Goodnight sweetheart xxx.”
As I got no reply I re sent it. The following Tuesday evening I again texted her,
“No prob darling, what ever time suits you.”
Thursday I asked her,”What time can I expect to see you tomorrow?”
And finally Friday morning I sent one last text,
“Would you like dinner later? Looking forward to seeing you.”
It was at this point my son informed me he’d received no texts and I realised my error.For a moment I wrestled with the thought of sending her one last message, informing her I was tired of our one way relationship and her lack of contact, however I decided maybe that was a text too far. Instead I deleted her permanently from my contacts.
Despite such mistakes I cannot imagine life without my phone. Not only do I have the world at my fingertips, I also have my children there, twenty four seven.
“Where are you?” “Who are you with?”
Each night I pass three empty bedrooms belonging to my children at college. As I do, I whisper them a quick good night. Then, just in case telepathy isn’t as efficient as I imagine, I send a few kisses by text, which I appreciate are possibly not received with the same affection with which they’re sent!
Yes, I love my phone, perhaps my children and that poor teacher love it less so.
London Irish Graduate Network
photo credit: x-ray delta one 1960 … down under TV! via photopin (license)
photo credit: Ktoine Emotion via photopin (license)
My thoughts on a page. 
OOOOPS.
Oooops, indeed! But it makes a great story!
I’ve happily never met that teacher since, I think I’d have to be carried out I’d be so embarrassed. Glad you enjoyed it.
While texting my adult children, I will often a reply saying “wrong kid.” Their names are right next to each other (Susie, Tina, Tony) and my fat fingers sometimes hit the wrong one.
As long as you’re not giving out about one of them at the time. 🙂
that is so, so funny. i can totally see doing that. and i’m glad your international friend turned out as expected and became your friend. i had the exact same experience.
Technology, especially the phone, has become an extension of ourselves. I hate myself for responding to the notifications. They have us well trained. Is it any wonder there are digital detoxes these days. Big business! 🙂
I’ve definitely cut back and deleted FB from it but I still love my phone but equally love my holidays in West Cork with no coverage.
ah that is hilarious !!!
omg, how did you face her afterwards!! tric that is so funny..and something I would do myself
It was actually an assessor so I didn’t have to see her again until my next daughter had to have hers and she was good enough to say nothing.
Once I got over my embarrassment I got a good laugh out of it.
I cannot express to you how much I enjoyed this post!!!! 😂
I’ve been working these meet-by-unusual-methods since 1957, longer than most of todays computer users have been alive. Then one day I met a lady and soon after that we decided that we would stay together for the duration. We’re still together, but my role has evolved into that of caregiver.