It’s honestly wild to look around during family holiday get-togethers and see how many people are glued to a football game on their phone or zoned out playing some app. Like… some of us cooked all day, cleaned up, brought gifts, and your full attention is on the football game? It can’t wait? We’ve heard of recording, right?

It’s not even about the phones. It’s the fact that people would rather play a game or watch someone else live their life than actually be present in this one. And I think that’s the bigger problem. Everyone gets bored too easily now. No one knows how to just sit and talk anymore. It’s like unless there’s a screen, people forget how to connect.

And if you pull out your phone while I’m mid-conversation? I’ll stop talking. I’m not going to compete with your touchdown updates or texts. If my long-winded story isn’t your thing, just say that. Yeah, I might be a little salty about it at first, but at least then I know where we stand. I know how to cultivate (or not cultivate) the relationship going forward.

Being present isn’t hard. It’s a choice. And honestly? It’s a form of respect. And if you can’t give that, then maybe the only app you really need is the one called “Respect.” Still free. Still relevant. Still kind of rare.