I was looking forward to scoffing down a hot meal after a breathtaking gym session at my fitness club last night. I was greatly disappointed when I was told that the in-house restaurant was closed so I decided to go to Ikeja Shoprite Mall and try out the new hangout spot upstairs, which I think should have been called Blackberry Central.

Despite the crooning of the kamikaze karaoke crew all night, there was barely any acknowledgment from the uninterested guests – no clapping, no swaying from side to side, no nodding to the rhythm…except, of course, to the rhythm of the perpetual keypad tapping commonly associated with the receipt of a much awaited response on a blackberry chat. Was I the only one being forced to look at my wrist and table knife desperately whilst someone was ironically ‘killing me softly with his song’ (Note – that song should only be sung by women, period). Was I the only one seeing more flashing red lights than a laser eye surgeon? Maybe.

I ordered my healthy choice – spaghetti bolognese (I hope that’s how it’s spelt…too lazy to check Jamie Oliver’s website). When it eventually came, turns out it was able to feed three people. I had my work cut out for me so I raised up my sleeves, loosened my belt buckle a notch, and attempted to conquer the red spiral mountain. It was at that point I noticed two young men walk into the karaoke bar…restaurant… ‘karaokaurant’, and within minutes of finding a table to sit at, they both took out their blackberries and proceeded to ignore each other…pretty much for the same amount of time it took me to finish my Man v Food challenge (sorry Adam, I didn’t make it this time around). What’s so mesmerizing about having a silent conversation using your fingertips?

That’s the question I should have asked the last girl I took to the movies. She probably watched only the previews before the dreaded red light started flashing right into the corner of my eye. I practically told her off because that was down right rude (and it was a waste of my hard-earned money, fuel, and dating-time. The only flick she’ll be seeing with me is the one I would give her before walking away i.e. getting that dirt off my shoulder.

Are you one of those smart phone users whose ignoring people around subconsciously? Do you eat, drive or pee with your smartphone in your other hand? Is your smartphone taking over your social life? Do share…if you dare 😀