Nadine J Walters – My Life

My Question to Myself: What is Your Relationship to Your Phone?

My Answer: It’s definitely a love-hate relationship that I’ve learned to navigate over time. I love my phone when I need it, but I hate it when it infringes on my mental well-being.

On the “hate” side, I’m not a big fan of texting. In fact, I dislike texting when it’s used instead of a phone conversation because it’s so easy to misinterpret tone, spelling, intent, or even the content itself. Sure, you can get a glimpse of someone’s personality through their texts, but the simplicity of the format often strips away the nuances of real conversation, leaving behind a bare-bones exchange. It can lead to misunderstandings or responses that were never intended. However, I do appreciate texts for quick updates like “I’m on my way,” “What do you need?” or simple yes/no answers. They save me from wasting time on a phone call. I also enjoy receiving images and being in group chats – they help me stay connected to what’s going on in the lives of those I care about.

I also dislike feeling like a captive to my phone, always needing it by my side, just in case I’m needed. In reality, I’m rarely needed, but I like to think I am. In the past, I would subconsciously leave my phone in the car to avoid having to answer it. Now, I’ve learned to truly disconnect, leaving my phone in another room in the evenings, only to pick it up the next morning, after I’ve had my coffee and a moment to breathe.

On the flip side, there are plenty of things I love about my phone. I enjoy my apps, my camera, my music, and the wealth of information at my fingertips. I love having the internet right there whenever I need it. In fact, I’d say I love my phone about 75% of the time. It’s become an integral part of my life alongside my iPad, my Apple Watch, and my Google Home – all of which feel like dear friends. It’s tough to single out which feature I appreciate most, as they all have their place.

As I read back through this post, it’s funny that I never even mentioned phone conversations! I do enjoy talking on the phone, and now that I’m a grandma, I absolutely cherish FaceTime. It’s one of the most beautiful ways to feel connected, even from a distance. Oh, and I can’t leave out ZOOM – I love using it to learn and maintain connections with friends and colleagues.

In the end, my relationship with my phone is complex and ever-evolving. It’s a tool that brings both joy and frustration, convenience and chaos. Like any relationship, it’s about finding balance – knowing when to embrace it and when to disconnect. Whether it’s for staying connected with loved ones, capturing memories, or simply enjoying some downtime with music or apps, my phone remains a constant companion in my life. And as with any companion, the key is to learn when it’s time to enjoy its company and when it’s time to take a break.