A Break Up Letter To My Phone
Dear phone,
I have been reading a lot about how our relationship impacts my ability to focus and stay present in my life. It is challenging to come to you and say we need to break up, but I am certain this will enhance the quality of my life.
I know this will not impact you: you have no feelings. You were designed to be a tool to support my life. Despite the best intents of simplifying my life, our relationship has turned into a slight obsession. And it needs a fresh start.
You see, I will not go anywhere without you. I have you in my hands when I watch TV, when I eat lunch, and even when I go on a walk. Ever since you entered my life, I look down more than I look up or ahead.
Our relationship prevents me from looking at the stars and the moon.
Our relationship makes it more difficult for me to look at the world and the people around me.
Our relationship is impacting my body posture and the thoughts I have.
Okay, I get it! You are so useful to me: you help me find new places to visit, and stay connected with people in my life. You send me alerts so that I remember to do the things that matter.
However, you also suck a lot of energy out of me. You are so beautiful and so charming. All I want to do is stay with you infinitely scrolling so as to avoid my unpleasant feelings and thoughts.
Our relationship is preventing me from feeling bored. From letting my mind wonder. From allowing me space for deep thought.
I hope you understand: it is not you, or me. It’s a you-me problem. You were designed to get me glued to your screen. I was enchanted by the promise that I would never have to feel alone or bored again.
To set clearer boundaries, I will use the ideas and process suggested in the book How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price. This break up letter is my own version of how Price started her book.
I appreciate all you have done to simplify my life over the years, and I am eager to regain control over my attention and time again. I look forward to building a healthier relationship with you so you can be supportive of my goals rather than distract me from them.
Sincerely,
Tatiana Machado-Griffin
