That Person is More Important Than Your Phone 

I was visiting family out of town recently and actually felt lonely my first night because their phones were more important than me. Some people show more courtesy to cashiers, etc, than to family and friends. Thanks for the reminder that I'm not alone. I'm not perfect, but I try my best to use the golden rule with phone etticate too.

Of course there is one particular person that I really want to send this to, as a way of saying "please, can I be more important than your phone?" But instead, I'll step up my game with my own phone, and be the change I wish to see.

Nowadays you need "two hands" to listen rather than "two ears"...meaning that you've set your device down and are giving a person your full attention. ❤️

This is basic respect !!! I am 54 and was raised in a world with no internet, yet also the education my kid was taught. I believe things are going so far to one side that there's going to be some serious rewind someday... Thank you for voicing this !

Respect! That's what comes to mind. It was considered disrespectful to not be present!

My bf had begun to slide into that abyss. One day we went to lunch together, our food had been served, he was eating and scrolling. I simply sat there, calmly, maintained a pleasant demeanor until he looked up. He asked, "What's wrong with your meal?" I replied, "Am I having lunch with you or with your phone?" That was 4 years ago and he's never opted for his phone instead of me again. ❤

I'm heading out for a 4-day glamping trip with 30 other humans to a place with no cell phone coverage. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones during a restorative vacation in nature. Pure bliss.

I went to a Diamondback game on Memorial Day. On one of the breaks, the fan camera scanned the audience. The camera on that break highlighted families with children. The children would get all excited and jump and down patting mom or dad on the leg as kids do. They were yelling and pointing. You know this picture right. Except the parent in every case was talking or playing or scrolling on their phone. I felt embarrassed for the first mom and then the camera would float to another. After four or five of these scenes, I was shocked. These parents spent a lot of money for these experiences with their families and this is how they spent those precious hours with their children. Speaking as a mom of four and an empty nester. Time goes by too quickly and you can never get it back. So sad.

I'm sick of people with that phone in their face, or having lunch with someone having the phone at the table, glancing at it or "have to" take calls. So important are these folks today they can't possibly miss a call.

Warren Buffet says ... if you're having a conversation or meeting with a person and they keep either checking the time and or keep going on their phone to end the conversation or meeting promptly. He said it's better to end the meeting than to have completed it not to its full potential

I believe phones are damaging many relationships. Just a few observations, being out for dinner and seeing two parents on their phones all the time I was there and not speaking to their child or each other once. 😔 Sat in a car park waiting for my son and across the way is a McDonald’s, a mum and son pull up next to me with a drive through meal, mum never spoke to her her son once, just on her phone whilst eating. Kids just hanging out on a bench, all on their phones, not speaking to each other. It makes me sad. I’m not a phone person but I like my iPad, but if someone walks into the room I instantly put it down.

It is called manners, respect, honor of another.

You said it very well without shaming or malicious intent. We ALL needed this reminder no matter what age we are. Thank you!

You're absolutely correct. I believe we have a social disease these days and it is the mobile phone. The harm it is doing to learning, respect, care, politeness, interest, safety and so much more. So glad you have spoken about this. It's creating far more harm to individuals than they realise.

I always thank service people ... and if they have a name tag, using their name and a smile.

I grew up without technology so I’m used to doing without. I feel it’s rude to not put down phone when someone is right in front of you. I get annoyed with my neighbor when he stops in to chat but then gets on his phone and is scrolling or listening to something out loud while I’m sitting there. I don’t like it & have said so. I always try to do right thing and give my full attention to whoever is in front of me. Important.Good one Joshua.

Stepping on toes here! Thank you. It’s called common courtesy, which isn’t common anymore, sadly.

Love this! When I was a cashier at 18, it bummed me out when people would act like I didn’t exist and talk to someone on their phone while tossing their items and card/money at me. I was excited to get to interact with people but I quickly found that too many didn’t think I was worthy of eye contact or even a hello. Now I’m in my thirties and if I am on my phone, I will always kindly tell the person I’m speaking to that I’m going to put my phone down so I’m not rude to the cashier while I check out. I place the phone down on the counter and say hello and chit chat with the cashier. More often than not, the cashier acknowledges with a thank you and says that they’ve never had someone do that for them before. I like to think that for that 5 minute moment they know they are noticed and special. It’s basic manners really.

When someone I know doesn't put the phone down, I usually send her a text instead of talking. It works most of the time! Thanks for the reminder about the value of others, Joshua! I make an effort to pause the content I'm watching when someone approaches me and wants to talk. Even, so, I think many of us would visibly show our dissapointment because of the interruptions. I've seen my children prefer to talk later because even before starting the conversation they see I'm staring at my phone. 😞 It's hard for our children not to be constantly on the phone if they see us do the same. Finally, I caught myself scrolling through the comments while watching the video instead of listening to what was being said... I should've paid attention.

Absolutely heartbreaking, Joshua! It's incredibly disheartening when a parent is so engrossed in their phone that they fail to notice their child desperately vying for their attention. It's truly heart-wrenching because those precious years when a child craves their parent's presence are fleeting, and once they're gone, they're gone forever. All that remains in your later years are memories of those missed opportunities, and the realization that your phone was the only constant companion. Those cherished moments with your child, where they were within arm's reach, yearning for your undivided attention, cannot be reclaimed. Let us treasure them while we still can!

A good reminder to cherish the moments we have with others as they can be lost without warning.❤

Yesssss, thank you for this important message! Being polite and present is important!

Etiquette starts at home Manners should* start with the parent or guardian. Common sense isn’t to common lately. Sage advice as always Josh

Agree wholeheartedly - I tried to teach my children when they were teenagers to put away their phones when we sat down to dinner as a family, to be present with the people you are with

Went to lunch with a loved one recently and trying to keep there attention away from the phone was almost impossible. It was as if they zoned out? I had so many things I wanted to talk about, but was not given the opportunity. Paid the bill got up to leave and yes, they were still on phone. So disappointing..😪

Thank you for bringing this information to everyone’s attention! I think we would live in a much kinder would if people showed respect for each other. Human interaction is so valuable to our souls. It isn’t just the younger generation , it is every age group who have replaced their phones for human interaction. 😔

Yes...phone or TV goes off as soon as someone wants my attention. I would want the same respect / attention so I give it freely. Humans are far more important than my phone or TV. Easy action/ decission for me

My boss is constantly telling me how unimportant I am when she looks at every text on her watch - and sometimes answers them! - while we are in meetings about HER business. I am 20 years her senior and I find this behavior more than rude. It's her business I'm working on and she has no time for it. I really question people's realities sometimes.....

Joshua, So true. We all have been guilty of this, but it is something I am working hard at correcting...Being in the moment. We never know when those moments with family may be our last with that person. We need to treat everyone with respect. 😊

I haven't any friends to speak of.😢 RU-vid is my comfort zone.😊

My method is quiet, polite diplomacy; I WILL NOT talk to you while you're on the phone. " Oh, it's okay, carry on I can hear you. " No, I don't want to. I can wait until you're finished.

Agree 100%. And when you do have to be on the phone, IMHO it is the height of rudeness to have another call come in and instead of letting it go to voicemail, taking it - because you know, the other caller might be more important than the one you're talking to. (Barring your being in the midst of a crisis where the call is from the police, or a doctor treating a loved one in the hospital - but you know what I mean - be courteous - don't make the person on the other end of the phone feel unimportant.)

Wow! Great info. Every time my husband and I are at a restaurant, after we order, he is on the phone until the meal arrives, and though I talk, I feel he is not listening. :(

I detest cell phones. I carry a cheap flip phone in my purse that is kept off. It is for emergencies such as a flat tire, or calling in a takeout food order when I am out and about. I hate going out to a restaurant and everyone has their cell phone next to their plate. Are you kidding me? Unless you have a loved one in the ICU at the hospital, put it away! It's horribly insulting to me that people cannot enjoy the company of the people they are with. Facebook, Instagram, etc., will all be there for you later on.

Leo Tolstoy’s the three questions, I read years ago, and changed the way I greet, meet or interact with anyone. I remember it every time.

I had a friend we would meet some time for a coffee but lately while I was talking to her she would be constantly looking at her phone it became really annoying. So one time I told her 'look when you think you have time to have a coffee 10 minutes without looking at your phone let me know. Needless to say we never had coffee again........

I try to be cognizant of my phone use when with friends and/or family, but I’ve never really thought about it in regards to strangers and people in the service industry. Thank you for sharing this perspective.

Thank you for posting this video! I see so many people crossing the street not even looking up for cars! It’s crazy!

One of the reason why I'm not inviting "old friends" to dinner out anymore. I love to go out with new people who enjoy talking and setting aside their phones while enjoying a dinner, or a coffee, or just a conversation.

This is why we love you. Beautiful video.❤

You are so right, that person is so important.❤️👍♥️

Shared this with husband. Hope It works. Will try to do the same. Thank you for simple yet important reminder

This is so true. I have a few family members that tease me saying I would talk to a wall. But for me that’s a compliment. I like to have conversations with people and I think it’s important and teaches us how to listen. Great video!

As I was watching and listening, I repeatedly heard, "this person is more important than my phone.." throughout.. I started to think it was a poem😌😊

It happens even in front of the dining table. Some would plug in their earphones; some would glance at their phones while eating. Some would even place their phones in the dining table and press on it, sometimes chat or even play music. Others would laugh all of a sudden while seeing something on their screen. What could we do? We can't control people from doing so. I have just come to accept it even though it is truly revolting.

Totally agree, Joshua! Don't know whether or not it's an age thing, but so many kids where I live in the UK are totally absorbed by their phones, even when I'm driving they never look up while crossing the road to see approaching traffic! I'm 69, have a phone of course, but notice like you how phones take priority over communicating with passers by. Disturbing!

I"m so happy to be a NON-phone lover. I don't carry it around at the gym, in my pocket anywhere else. I'm an old soul whom lives in the real world, face to face. My biggest pet peeve are people feeling they must be on their phone carrying on nonsense conversations at grocery stores, Costco which as we all know how crazy that place is and any other public place.

I totally agree. I do not own a cell phone and never have. People do realize how rude they are being. I believe because a lot of people behave this way it is accepted.

I saw too many parents with little children and babies having their eyes on their phones instead of their children, which tried to get in contact with them. It is so sad and a hugh damage for our future society in so many levels. Sometimes I say a word to those parents, sometimes I don't depending on my gut feeling.

Wow i wish you were my boss. You are way more respectful than retail management.

Your message to us here is as important as that person who is more important. I shared your video with those whom I love. Thank you very much dear Mr BECKER ! 🙏🌏🌞🍀🐞

I'm rather old fashioned because I don't have a phone in my hand 24/7 let alone everyday. I live in a very rural area of NE AZ so a landline is a must to have. I do get irritated when we have dinner with my adult son who is constantly looking at his phone. We just went to our granddaughter's high school graduation and he has improved. She finished 2nd in her class and will start pre med in the fall. A very important and humbling moment over screen time. TFS 👍

It all comes down to respect.

I agree totally. This applies both the children as well as us parents. Practice what we preach.

I've been following your posts for a while, and after every video I reflect upon my experience and the decisions I make every day. However, nothing touched me more than this video. I'm 45, and although being a wife, a mother, an educator, and a daughter and so on, I found my consciousness filled with guilt while reflecting on my similar behaviours described in your video. 😮. I'm doing the opposite of what I'm "preaching ". Thanks for helping me think, once more time.

That's so true. I usually remember not to use my phone when people are in the room. However looking back I can remember times with Mom and I was playing a game on my phone. She would complain You and that phone! I'm sorry that I made her feel unimportant at that time. 😕

Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you!

I Agree with You, ALL THE WAY! People are Important! Not Devices ❤ people people. Thanks

Amen! So Very True and a Very Good Reminder!

Well said, thank you!

Absolutely love this message! Thank you, Jackie

A very important message for us all .... Thank you.

Thank you so much for your videos! Your advice is always valuable, and this is a great reminder. Best wishes.

Great message we all need to hear 😊

This is the most important message I've heard lately, it is true, we live in an era where the phone has become the most important thing in our lives and we have to remember that people, famiky and love is more important than anything else, great Video and great message Joshua, thank you

Great video reminder Joshua! Thank you.

I really appreciate you. I love your content. But this, this is your best message. Thank you!❤

Yes! So well said. This! Thank you for this reminder. I will hear your gentle reminder in my head.

👏thunderous applause👏

I completely understand this but sadly I’ve given up on others!

This is such a good message! Unfortunately, too many people don’t know how rude they seem when they choose to be absorbed in their phones instead of focusing on the people around them. It’s important to be considerate of others and to practice etiquette. If we don’t teach our children etiquette and model it for them, how will they learn? Keep up the great work and continue to speak the truth. Thank you for what you do.

So very true. Your words will live in me forever! Thank you!

thank you so much Joshua, God bless you❤

I asked family once if we could consider going “phone free” for an upcoming holiday meal and got mixed reactions. Some said yes, others said a very matter-of-fact “no”, not in a rude way, but this also helped me know where I stood. I love practicing phone free time with friends because quality time means a lot to me. I haveta admit I’m gonna need to practice looking away from my phone in grocery store lines. 😅

Excellent video with an excellent message that we all need to hear! Thank you!

Excellent!

Very good and well said.🙂

Great video. Spot on!

Great reminder

What a beautiful reminder, thank you Joshua

Absolutely!

Another beautiful and important video, thank you!

What a Joy You are. 😊

I need to put down my phone more often. There's been a couple times when I was on my phone and my 4 year old daughter got mad at me and said "Put down your phone and pay attention to me!" I felt so bad. I am trying to not use my phone so much when I am around my daughter

Thank u so much.... Grateful for the vedeo

Agreed! Amen.

A very good thought provoking video. It made me want to do better about being more attentive to the people I am with!

Thank you for making me stop and think. 😊

Excellent! Thanks :)

I don't take my phone when I got out with my friends for an evening as my intentions are to enjoy their company. To me it's disrespectful to allow someone else that happens to have a phone (and is probably bored) to distract them from the company they are with.

Absolutely ❤

Fully agree with you Joshua, that person is more important than my phone.

RESPECT!! We should all show respect for each other.

Meanwhile I have workers who have high anxiety and want zero attention. They panic when focus is on them.

Wow this hit me heavier than I thought it would!

Bravo!

No truer words have been spoken!

I am experiencing this millennium situations before I got married, married to my husband then having a child. The cycle keeps going on and on as my husband never looks at me up to this present.

Now I feel guilty. But thank you, I needed that. Lol. Something I need to work on.

Amen!