When did things change?
By lizardgod
@lizardgod (443)
United States
November 6, 2012 1:21pm CST
I have come to a realization lately that some things have changed in the world around me and I just didn't see it happening. I was raised with some manners, albeit not as many as my mother and grandmother would have really liked but ce la vie. When you are listening to someone talk about something important to them, and you are in a position to be obligated to do so even if it holds no personal interest (friend, loved one, family, etc...), when did it become acceptable to just stop paying attention because another stimulus was introduced, such as a text message, facebook post, or tv show? I am sure I have been known to make a gesture or face that reflects my lack of interest in the subject but that does not mean I am not still listening. This seems to be an increasing trend, I am almost to the point where I feel the need to reduce my statements to mere seconds for fear of losing my conversation partner to some babble somewhere else. I just guess I must be an odd man out on this case as I feel the need to listen/read everything involved in a conversation I am in. To actually participate to my fullest capabilities. I have been known to take a text in the middle of a conversation but I tend to do that only when I am the one currently talking, and I don't stop talking. I have that ability to multi-task at that level, if I didn't then I wouldn't. Simple as that to me at least. What about you guys?
Pardon my mini rant lol. Been one of those "misplaced Mondays" lol.
4 responses
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
7 Nov 12
it's a mixture of everybody not wanting to listen, and/or everybody wanting to talk simultaneously, which is akin to what others are saying are not really that interesting.
the influx of tech gadgets and the like had influenced manners in a way. social skills are diminishing, and respect will soon become a byword only for the older generation. today's generation is totally different and everyone might have not noticed really when the change had begun.
@Youreyes4Today (2356)
• United States
6 Nov 12
Oh I have this same rant at least once a week or more.. Thing is I don't go out much, has to do with those that I live with. I try and talk to them, it is like talking to a wall. I will stop and ask, what did I say. The answer I get is.. a roll of the eyes and a "I don't know, I had this or that going on" like I do not matter. That is how it feels.
When growing up if we did not respect family members no matter the age we were in big trouble. What happen to Respect for another human person.. If we keep going this route soon it will be so easy for any government to take over.. for the selfishness of the population will be so huge they won't see it hit them until it is way to late.. I pray that the trend turns around.. and soon. We need to bring back the respect for each other to hear, listen, take in and reply with sound answers. Because we did hear what was said.
Not just a misplaced day, feel like a misplace human here..
@ctryhnny (3460)
• United States
6 Nov 12
I"m 65 years old and cannot believe the way the world has changed! People don't send thank you notes for gifts...especially wedding or baby shower gift. That appalled me. And that's not all...children who have married and have families of their own don't bother to visit their aging parents. When my kids were small my parents visited regularly or we visited them. The English language...here in the US English was the first language now...it's not. I'll tell you it's tough getting old and getting used to the way people act today.
@Bluebell18 (636)
• United States
6 Nov 12
I feel you, lizardgod
I take it as though that some people's attention span is the size of a pea. With all of the tech stuff out today, that's what goes down with having a decent conversation. Sometimes I feel like I need to drop kick someone just to say, 'dude, can you hear me?' Then it sometimes backfires when I try to engage in insightful conversations, then I'm looked at like a complete dunce. Sometimes, it's just best to keep your opinions to yourself. My opinion.
