My cell phone rang and I answered it. I was sitting with my son in an outdoor restaurant, talking and eating, and being together. The phone rang and I answered it, something I rarely do.
As I listened and talked for two minutes on the phone, I noticed the expression on my son's face change, into what I interpreted, as disappointment. The conversation ended and I asked "what's happening?"
"We were being together and eating," he replied. "When you answered the phone, everything changed. Being together came to a halt. The fun of our time together was gone." My instant thought was to notice how often I see people staring at their hands holding some device, appearing to be distant from those around them.
I started to explain and justify then stopped immediately, appreciating that he felt safe enough to tell me something that could be perceived as too sensitive.
"I'm sorry," I said. "I did do that. I left you. I did not need to answer it. I never answer the phone when with someone, and this time I did. I broke the joy we were having. and disconnected from you."
I thanked him for telling me the impact that phone event had on him. It could seem like a minor incident. But it's not.
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