Today I spent the afternoon at a restaurant with my husband, so that I didn’t feel awkward sitting by myself trying to observe other people. Some things I noticed about the ways others were communicating with each other were relationships that would not even talk because they were so drawn to their technology that they could not carry on a conversation. Technology is taking over the minds of the younger generations, causing them to not know how to communicate. My husband knows that when we are out on a date that our phones are not as important as each other and it forces us to talk to each other when we put them away. Growing up, my parents didn’t even allow phones at the table and now I understand why. Also, I noticed that if it wasn’t both individuals focused on their phone, then it was one and the other person looked lonely because they were not receiving any attention. I am glad that I was raised a certain way to still understand tradition and how it used to be “back then” because I appreciate what I have and most people now just take everything for granted and can’t use any manners and I just feel good that I’m a respectful person compared to most.
As far as the people who communicated verbally, they were joyful to observe because of the facial expressions they were using. I may not have known what they were talking about, but that’s what makes observing even more interesting. There were also people who you could see on their face that they were just not interested in what was going on and I think facial expressions and gestures are the biggest thing when communicating with our patients and I know 110% that I am someone that has to watch my face because I wear my emotions without even realizing it. Recently, I was dealing with a patient towards the end of my 12 hour shift, so I was tired and annoyed and just ready to go and the patient asked me if I ever smile because I was just keeping a straight face because I didn’t want them to know that I was annoyed, but it was like I couldn’t win. I have been told many times to watch my face and I thought maybe keeping a poker face would be okay, but I guess not to patients. They want all smiles or nothing.
When looking between the younger age on their technology, I also noticed the older generations who wouldn’t even talk, but just enjoyed each other’s company and I think that is something to cherish because no one is guaranteed another day and you should spend the time together happy as possible. Communication is such an important topic and I really liked this exercise because I was able to stop and watch how others interact and compare it to what I should and shouldn’t be doing with my patients. Hopefully more people will eventually realize that face to face communication is the best form of medicine.