Out of Touch

Most people I know have cell phones, so why is it so difficult to actually talk to the person I need to exchange information with?
In the old days when almost everyone had land lines, I took my chances that someone would be home to take my call or at least my messages. There was usually some anxiety or frustration involved if the message was important, but that was rare.
Then came the golden age of answering machines. That was the best. Not only could you leave a message. A lot of times the only reason for a phone call was to relay one specific thing. If someone answered, there would be some casual chat. If the machine picked up, information was left. Time was saved.
You would think that cell phones did all that and more, but not so.
Many people have cell phones that they can't afford to answer. Leaving a message for them is more frustrating than not having a number to call at all. Did they get the message? Can they find a way to call back? Are they being rude by ignoring you or just frugal?
Then there are the ever-distracted people who misplace the cell phone or leave it at home.
Losing a phone is a big deal for most. Every number you always need is there instead of in an address book. The worst part is that a lost SIM card often means a change in cell phone number so good bye all those almost good friends.
Trying to arrange a play date for Ryanne is impossible by phone because the cell phone number is usually answered far from where the child is stationed for the parent's workday. After five different useless numbers, I had to wait until two of the grown ups involved spoke to each other face to face before I got a land line number.
No one answered. I guess it's time to start physically going to other people's houses to trade information. Which puts us back to the way things were a hundred years ago.
Nancy Sherer