I have a confession to make. I have an unhealthy addiction to my Blackberry. Whatever happened to “it can wait”, and “nothing is that important”? Did the advent of instant connection mean I had to play along…ALL the time? When did I give in to the very thing I rail against? Truth is I am RUDE! So, here and now, let me apologize to anyone I have “discounted, interrupted, or marginalized” because my vibrating buddy wanted my immediate attention...and got it. I’m like a kid every time this thing tickles my side… “Ohhhhhh! It must be an electronic present!! Hold that thought, I must open it right now!!” Stop your life, so I can download mine! Oh, look, another email from Expedia?! I’m sorry, what were you saying? I have learned that It CAN wait….and rarely is ANYTHING that important! The only group of people worse than me are those self righteous souls who condemn you for your lack of electronic etiquette, but who will “step away” or ”have to take this call”, because their situation is far more important than yours. So, here’s what I’m doing: I put my phone on silent when I am at dinner, or in a client meeting, and I turn it off at night. I mean, how important is an email at 2 AM, really? Yes, I have been awakened, rolled over, and read a meaningless email at 2 in the morning. It’s a sickness! How about you my friend? Are you that different from me, really? Maybe you’re worse than I? Ohhh yes! I do delight in those addicts who simply cannot breath without their electronic addiction. My name is Misery, and you are my welcomed guest! So, pull up a chair, expose your device, and let’s ignore each other while we text the night away. Did you bring your charger? Better yet, let’s put these gizmos down, and open up a bottle of Vino, and share in some authentic social media. You really should Google this winery! Cheers! - Mark Storie