Dear Jaclyn and Heidi,
We’re about to head off on our big adventure, and I’m starting to worry about a ‘planning stage promise’ I made to my wife, Darlene. Before retiring last year, my job meant I had to be ‘in touch’ 24/7 and I was one of those annoying people who was always on his phone … even at restaurants or on walks. The problem is, even now I’m retired, I can’t stop. I’m always checking cricket scores, texting old colleagues, or looking at funny videos … and it’s driving Darlene crazy. In a moment of weakness, I promised I would only use my phone for half an hour a day when we’re on the road. I thought she would forget about the deal, but she hasn’t. I’m looking forward to bushwalks, but I know I’ll also ‘need’ my phone. Help!
Neville
I can’t be sure, Neville, but I suspect that you will have changed your tune in a few weeks or a few months time. I understand that silly videos or old cricket scores are difficult to resist but so is the magic of Uluru at sunrise, the evocative colours of the Painted Desert, and the might of the Great Southern Ocean. And that’s all before you start to think about where you are going to camp that night, what you are going to have for dinner, and before you start chatting to the many fascinating new friends you are about to meet. If you are so worried about your ‘problem’, you might try re-negotiate with Darlene and maybe get an extra half an hour a day on your precious smart phone but it will be your loss if you choose to use it.
Jaclyn
Give me strength, Neville. You don’t really have to ask your wife for permission to use your phone as often as you like, whenever you like. I guess the real question here is why on earth would you want to stare at a screen and look up useless facts and silly videos when you could actually be out there embracing your new life. Like many newly retired people I suspect you are struggling to cope with your new status in life. Hiding behind a smart phone isn’t going to make you an executive again or even make your wife think you are one. Reality check, Neville. People don’t want to call you at 6am or at midnight, or on the weekend any more … and that really is a good thing! Don’t fight it, enjoy it.
Heidi
