That is what it looks like. How often have you attended an event and noticed people standing off to the sidelines engaged with their Smartphone? Sometimes they even gather in small groups to text and simply ignore everyone else. And, they often text each other within the group! Have you experienced this? Or is this you? Unfortunately, smartphones and other hand-held technologies provide people an escape route from interacting with the people around them.

There have been numerous occasions when someone wants to approach someone but detoured because they did not want to interrupt their texting. Yet we attend events to meet people … to  network! Go figure! We are all dependent on our Smartphone for messages to some degree; however, when you go to an event, turn it off or put on pause. If you find you cannot focus because you are preoccupied with who was trying to reach you, excuse  yourself from the event (or group) and check your messages privately.

1. How do you react when you encounter someone texting instead of mixing?
2. Does this alter your impression of them? Do you ignore them? Or do you just go ahead and interrupt?
3. If you are the one engaged with your Smartphone, how do invite others to interact with you when  you notice their approach?

Just some thoughts for you to ponder and share.

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