George Washington: Rules About Technology

Thank you, Mr. President! This 18th century rule has unbelievable application in a 21st century world. My day job is as a retail manager. I have guests using their speaker phone for half an hour shouting through my store. Lots of twenty somethings wear headphones or earbuds and ignore my existence entirely until they need something. Honestly, there are people who cannot shop without a facetime call and they do not end it when the selections have been made and they are trying to check out with a young cashier who is supposed to ask them a few questions.

STOP MAKING IT AWKWARD! Have your conversations in the car. Step away from the register if you need to take that call. Leave your headphones in your back pack and engage with the real world every once in a while. Please, keep your voice down if you must be on the phone in my store. It makes it weird. I have heard people scream at their kids, demean their spouse, talk about their granny's cancer, and all kinds of things that are none of my business. I beg of you, stop bringing your private business into my public one!

So, President Washington's rule about politely engaging with society and not being a snoop is a wonderful springboard for some updated social graces. Below you will find my modern paraphrase of the same sentiment for my lovely customers who seem to need a gentle reminder. May it make you more aware and conscientious with your devices.