When was the last time you were upset about the length of a line?

It’s been a while ago for me. Perhaps as far back as 2006 since I’ve had a smartphone (read iPhone) in my possession. With decent cell or wifi connections waiting doesn’t stress me out anymore. There’s always current news, the latest sports scores, a Kindle book or a random app to check in with. As our society gets increasingly dense and busy this presents a welcome stress reliever.

I don’t even mind getting to the airport early anymore. Always something to do on my phone or tablet in the waiting area plus less stress that I might miss my flight.  When a flight is delayed I move into zen mode and calmly dive into my smartphone to wile away the time.

I’m in a world of my own in grocery store lines. The DMV doesn’t scare me as much, although their glacial pace is still astonishing.  A visit to the doctor or dentist provides a quiet respite in their waiting room before an appointment.

Of course, all of these situations imply I’m traveling or waiting alone. When I’m with others face time conversations are the priority. It’s more than just a matter of etiquette.  Someone has invested their valuable time to be with you, you need to be with them, in the present.