Romance VS The Mobile Phone

I had been drinking in pubs for about 2 or 3 years before mobile phones suddenly became popular and affordable. Pub-life started to change before my very eyes. You could stand up and see people texting, playing games and comparing their phones with each other. Us guys got the run of the pool table and left the girls to it. The art of conversation just died around me.

Back then I was young, charismatic; a big name on the dating circuit at the time. But the dynamics of dating were now changing and those who thought themselves a ‘Player’ were about to get a crude, Vodaphone style wake-up call. The old excuses were no longer valid, ‘I’ve been away’ or ‘I didn’t get your message my machine broke’ these only worked for a landline. Every time I’m shocked when a girl grabs my mobile phone from my hand, saves her number then calls herself. Its terrible to think a previous suitor might have written down the wrong telephone number on purpose. I mean I‘m sure I never did that? I also learned the hard way, if a girl texts you and you don’t respond within 3 minutes – you better have a good excuse.

At the time I felt I had to have a mobile for work and other commitments and I hated people bugging me all the time. But there was no denying the benefits of having one. Easier to make plans to meet up with pals or know when people were running late. Women felt a lot safer being out on their own at night and now I’de never go out in the car without one. With that said I think no one goes anywhere without their mobile nowadays…. The unexpected message from someone special because they just wanted to see what I was doing. The mates that called me when I was living up north to check I was still alive.

I started out at a time when pretending to be interesting on a date was really hard. Now a quick trip to the bathroom and a bit of wifi and instantly you know tonnes about the band she likes or the book she is reading. Why not throw in a line unexpectedly from her favorite film (just don’t go to the loo too much). Advice: Be prepared for your date, friend them on Facebook or give their mate a call first and just like school, you can do the homework on the bus on your way there. Ok maybe a little underhanded, but in my defence, I love sitting down with someone and comparing mobile photos. Phone Apps are great for looking up the song she hears but doesn’t know the name or just finding out who is right about a fact before an argument starts.

Recently a bunch of us were having a drink and my friend Andy showed us an amazing App. You point the phone up to the sky and Google tells you the names of every star. Imagine that - you’re sitting in the garden, having a nice romantic cup of tea with that special someone. You can find out the names of the stars together and look up the Greek Myth that goes with it. Everyone likes a story before bed!  

So whoever said ‘Romance is Dead’ clearly had a Crap Mobile Phone