Miss Manners

One of the problems with modern life is that ethics haven't yet caught up with technology. Stem cell research, life support, genetic modification, all scientific advancements that divide as many people as they have the ability to save. I'm not smart enough to make cases for or against these things, and from what I can tell, reasonable debate isn't the answer to these questions anyway.

I want to talk about something a little more simple. And low brow:

Cellphones. The scourge of modern life?

The thing is cellphones are great. I love mine (although the space button is sticking which is a bit of a pain in the arse) and they are very useful. And lets face it, when you are drunk, texting everyone you have ever met seems like a hilarious idea. And getting a sweet one can cheer you up on a bad day. But, god, they suck as well.

Rule of thumb, people. If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it in a text. If someone would punch you, or never talk to you again if you said it to their face. Best not to put it in a text. If there's a chance it could be misconstrued, how 'bout leaving it, and saying it another way. Or another time. Or not at all.

And you know what else? Have some balls. If you are scared to say something to someone, it really isn't a very good idea to text it. The fact that you are scared to say it, means it is a bigger thing than you can fit in a 160 word text messages. It used to be we hated having conversations on a phone, now the phone is so ubiquitous we don't really think about it. But if you have something to say, for god's sake, say it in person. Sending a text message is a coward's way out.