Cell phone-Bluetooth surprise

[rebeccaC]

I've never synced my phone to my cars bluetooth. I don't use my phone when driving. If I hear a text or call coming in I'll check it if I have to stop for a reason...other than just checking whoever is calling/texting has to wait until I'm parked or out of my car. People who know me know that. They also know I turn my phone off for a number of reasons, sleeping, reading, working, on my bike etc. I like technology (use the cars navigation system frequently) but prefer to have control over it rather than it over me.

[OakLeaf]

I turn my phone off for a number of reasons, sleeping, reading, working, on my bike etc. I like technology (use the cars navigation system frequently) but prefer to have control over it rather than it over me.

Well this is going to sound harsh then, but I've been the one about whom those calls were made, that resulted in a ringing phone. If someone wants to use their phone only for emergencies, I've got no problem with that. What I can't understand is why anyone would think no one else's emergencies are as important than their own.

[rebeccaC]

I don’t see your post as harsh….it does kinda remind me of one of my paternal grandmothers guilt trips on me …….as I said people that know me know that habit of mine and accept it. That’s good enough for me.

[Blueberry]

Well this is going to sound harsh then, but I've been the one about whom those calls were made, that resulted in a ringing phone. If someone wants to use their phone only for emergencies, I've got no problem with that. What I can't understand is why anyone would think no one else's emergencies are as important than their own.

I don't see this as harsh, but I do see it as indicative of differences in expectations due to changes in technology. Pre-cell phones, if you were home - you could be available. If you were not, you might not be reachable. Now, we expect people to carry their cell phones and answer them "in case of emergency." But sometimes that translates into 100% availability for things that aren't emergencies.

I am one of the closest people to my 89 year old grandmother (physically and emotionally). I do keep my phone with me, but I don't always answer it. I do always immediately check any voice mails that are left. There is a tension, though. My mother (and lots of other people) call my cell phone both in emergencies and "just because they want to talk." My mother in a talking mood means an hour plus on the phone listening to her yammer on. But - she tends to be the one who gets the emergency calls first (from the assisted living facility), and then relays them to me. And she doesn't like to leave voicemails. My grandmother has recovered, but when she fell a few months ago, my mother called my cell. I didn't answer and she didn't leave a message. I just happened to call her back (which is actually unusual - my normal rule is I will respond to a VM, but not a missed call). So - when she calls, how do I know if she is calling because she is "in the car and bored and wants someone to talk at" or it's an emergency? So - my question is - how do you keep the emergencies separated from the non-emergencies?

[Helene2013]

Maybe the fact I am so much on the phone at work, I hate answering or talking on phone as soon as I'm out of office and I can't even recall when was my last off-work phone call. We don't have a home phone line anymore. Not many people called (no family either, or very minimal and friends reach me through emails). They have our 'main' cell phone (hubby's iphone).

We also have bluetooth in the car but used as emergencies only (one way...our way! hihi). Phone in car never gets answered unless not driving (or me calling in hubby if he's on his pay picking me up from work - this is where BT kicks in - being handsfree).

I have my own cell but rarely answer it unless I "feel" it is an emergency. You can leave me a message and I will get back to you. In fact, I rarely check it. As said, mostly for me when I'm driving alone or in shopping center and hubby and I are in different stores.

I'm a big fan of technology. But I am totally off-phone dependant. I prefer emails. If you really need to reach me, send an email, a SMS.

In fact, I'm sitting typing this and heard my own cell ring and did not go to it as it was in my purse in another room. Found out it was my massage therapist (she then called on the main Iphone) and I called her back after listening to her message. She needed info and I was able to get that info and call her back. No waste of time having to call her back afterwards. Case closed.

So yes, it depends why you need x type of technology and how dependant of it or not you are. I could not care less not having a phone in my life. But never without my emails. hihi But that is me and my own needs.