I saw this commercial recently and thought, “Thanks, Verizon. You confirmed my hesitations to get a smartphone.”

I know, I know. I’m a techie. I’m all into the internet and gadgets and such. If I ever break down and get an iPhone or a Droid my life will quickly become out of control. I have a hard enough time putting my mac down… Imagine if I could take those capabilities with me wherever I went. I know better than to give myself that ease of access.

Because, I’m also into solitude. I’m also into unplugging at the beach. I’m also into weekend getaways where I can actually get away.

And I’m also into quality time – really engaging in face-to-face relationships with people who are right here right now. I know better than to send a quick text to one of my favorite funny friends before I go into a lunch mentor meeting. The phone would beep “text” and I would die from trying NOT to pick up the phone and read what they sent.

In some ways, I think we have forsaken the “now” for the sake of the “next” – next phone call – next email – next funny thing on twitter – next person who wants our attention through our gadget. What about the now? What about the person sitting across the table from us?

Let’s admit it: Sometimes we can be downright rude to the person we’ve invited to spend some time with us.

And, yeah, let’s admit this as well: It is SO HARD to step away from the gadgets. SO HARD.

How good are you at stepping away and unplugging? At giving attention to relationships? Why do you think this struggle is so hard for people like us?