Are we becoming more entranced and less engaged with those around us?

less engaged zombie-like conversation and interaction zombie squirrel

I don’t like clingy salespeople.

I especially don’t care for clingy salespeople who refuse to listen to my responses.

Why? Because I truly try to give them useful information in an attempt to make the experience better for both of us… mostly in hopes they’ll leave me alone.

But, do they listen?

Case in point. I recently visited the Tommy Bahama store at Tysons Corner and had the most ponderous interaction with an energetic young dude.

He was immediately off on the wrong foot by “Sir-ing” me…

“Sir, have you seen these new camp shirts?”

I politely respond by explaining that I already have too many camp shirts.

“Oh, you can never have too many camp shirts.”

Well… “Actually, you can.” I soooo wanted to lead with a “Young man.” But I haven’t ever said that to anyone yet in this life. And for the record, I’m trying very hard not to let the old man in.

Remaining polite, yet beginning to feel annoyed, I thought I’d try to disarm him with a different tack… “You see, the problem with Tommy Bahama clothes is they take a really long time to wear out and they really don’t go out of style.”

I was certain I had him with that one.

So, what does the eager little guy show me? Camp shirts.

This time, the kind more suited to the beer gut ‘n’ ballcap crowd. You know, the ones with embroidered beverages and cigars on the back. (Okay, okay… sorry. I know I no longer have a 32” waistline and I own over twenty ball caps… and that’s after downsizing. So, I can talk here).

But really. Now he’s not only showing me more camp shirts, he’s showing me the ones he and his friends wear. I’d love to see the look on good ol’ Dad’s face on Father’s Day at his house!

If it ended with retail salespeople, I might be able to manage. But it can be exactly the same with otherwise nice people and their favorite books and movies.

Have you ever told a Stephen King fan that you don’t really care for him?

“Stephen King. Yeah… Stephen’s books aren’t really for me.”

“Oh, why not? Heeeeeeze sooo goooood!”

“Well, I’m not into the whole bizarre supernatural horror thing.”

Do you ever run into this? You know, a situation where you honestly share something about yourself and the response is now they want to change your life?

“They’re not all like that. He’s awesome. I know you’d love him if you just read one. Read The Stand. It’s not horror at all. It’s a little long [1200 pages], but once you’re into it you won’t be able to put it down.”

It’s a zombie-like affliction that’s becoming more and more common. I’m not exactly sure what it is and what causes it. The jury’s still out, but it may be yet another symptom of becoming disconnected in a hyperconnected world?