sam17•7d ago

Talking to my younger cousin made me think twice about something

My 19-year-old cousin came over last week and saw me scrolling on my phone during dinner. She told me it was rude and that older people always do that now. I got defensive at first but then I realized she was right. When I was her age, you never had a phone out at the table. Now I do it without even thinking. It hit me that the norm shifted so slowly I didn't notice I became the one breaking the old rule. She called me out gently but it stung because she was correct. Has anyone else had a younger person call them out on something you thought was totally normal?

2 comments

2 Comments

wadecooper7d ago

But do you actually agree with her or just feel bad about being caught?

xenagarcia6d ago

Yeah @wadecooper, I was honestly in the same boat... I used to think it was no big deal, just checking a message real quick. But she had a point - it's not just about the action, it's about showing the person you're with that they matter more than whatever's on the screen. Now I try to leave my phone in my pocket or on the counter when I'm eating with someone, even if it's just my cousin or a friend grabbing coffee.