The conversation I never had
They were a smart couple. Attractive, young and obviously ‘together.’
They were shown to a cosy table just for two. They ordered and then I thought they would hold hands, look into each other's eyes and mutter luscious things to each other.
Not so. Instead of gazing at each other's comely countenance, they each took out their phone and they stared hypnotically into the screen in front of them. So in my mind, I had a conversation with them. Sometimes I wish I had the fortitude actually to conduct this conversation but maybe it’s better that I didn’t. Anyhow, here’s the conversation I never had.
Me: “Excuse me… sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t help noticing that you are spending a hefty amount of time and energy looking at your phone when you are obviously together.”
The young lady: Without looking up at me “Yeah.. just checking out…” and her voice petered out as she went on checking out… well … whatever it was she was checking out.
Undaunted and with my level of askance rising, I thought I would pursue a line of inquiry with the gentleman.
Me: “So, can I ask, ‘Have you been together long’?”
The young gentleman: “Yeah, about 6 weeks now” he says this almost matter-of-factly, without lifting his eyes from the screen and making eye contact with me or his girlfriend. “We just don’t want to miss anything from our favourite social media platform”
Now this is an imaginary conversation. I can say whatever I like without fear of consequences, being threatened with ‘inappropriate behaviour,’ or being curtly asked to leave the cafe.
Me: “Don’t you think you should be checking out each other? The thing that you are missing out on, is right in front of you”