written by Elizabeth Bernstein. The article is highly worth the read, but it is the author\u2019s short checklist that has resonated deeply with me: <\/span><\/p>\n10 Signs Your Devices Are Hurting Your Relationships:<\/em><\/p>\n1. You can't get through a meal without emailing, texting or talking on the phone.<\/em><\/p>\n2. You look at more than one screen at a time, checking email while watching television, for example.<\/em><\/p>\n3. You regularly email or text, other than for something urgent, while your partner or another family member is with you.<\/em><\/p>\n4. You sleep with your phone near you, and you check your email or texts while in bed.<\/em><\/p>\n5. You log onto your computer while in bed.<\/em><\/p>\n6. You have had an argument with a loved one about your use of technology.<\/em><\/p>\n7. You text or email while driving.<\/em><\/p>\n8. You no longer go outside for fun.<\/em><\/p>\n9. You never turn off your phone.<\/em><\/p>\n10. When you spend time with your family\u2014a meal, a drive, hanging out\u2014each person is looking at a different screen.<\/em><\/p>\nI heaved a huge sigh of relief when I realized I engage in less of these behaviors that I did a year ago, but I am not letting myself off the hook. The Truth Hurts\u2026but the Truth Heals. <\/span><\/p>\nAnd the truth is\u2026there are still major changes I need to make. <\/span><\/p>\nAnd the other, undeniable, critical truth is\u2026I only get one shot at being a loving, connected and present parent, spouse, and human being. <\/span><\/p>\nAnd there is no time like the present. <\/span><\/p>\nI have decided to do a Tech Cleanse (as described by Ms. Bernstein) this weekend. I am turning off my hand-held communication device and my computer on both Saturday and Sunday. <\/span><\/p>\n(Did I type that correctly? My hands began to shake as I wrote that\u2026oh yes, The Truth Hurts.)<\/span><\/p>\nInternet connection\u2026off. Human connection\u2026On. <\/span><\/p>\nWill you join me? <\/span><\/p>\nI guarentee your emails will be waiting there Monday morning. But your family? Well, they can only wait for so long. <\/span><\/p>\nHaven\u2019t they waited long enough? <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span>Re-read the checklist entitled: \u201c10 Signs Your Devices Are Hurting Your Relationships\u201d once again. Answer honestly. Do you see a need for change? If so, pick one behavior from the list and decide what you can do tomorrow to begin to change (or eliminate) it. On the flipside, do you know someone who could use a wake up call about his or her excessive use of technology? The Truth Hurts, but The Truth Heals. You know what to do. <\/strong><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
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