and how the hell did we make arrnagments to meet without the phone calls saying
where are you? or texts saying 'I'm running 5 mins late - just get me at the bar' etc etc
I think people were more considerate and punctual back then becuase they knew they were limited in communications. Once they gave their word to be somewhere they had to keep it or be branded rude and inconsiderate.
Someone invited me to their home for a wedding. I was expected. Long been expected. Suddenly, before my arrival, the parents decided to run to the store to pick up some last minute things. They wouldn't be home to greet me and let me in the house.
Easy fix, right? They called their daughter and told her to call me on my cell phone to say they were going to be late/not there when I arrived.
My friend replied, "She doesn't have a cell phone."
Oops.
They left anyway and I had to sit on the stoop like a stray dog until they arrived.
Or else if your friends were flakey and were habitual late or no-shows you found out a lot faster, rather than having to deal with constant calls 'I'm running late', 'I'm almost there." 'I'm lost.' which some people think excuses their rude lateness.
I think people had to be more organized. They couldn't call home to find out what was needed at the grocery store, so hey, they made lists before hand. What a concept, actually being prepared.
Park rangers are complaining that people go into parks and wilderness areas unprepared for any eventuality as they caution them to be - take extra water, jackets, rain ponchos, flashlights, etc. in case a storm blows up or etc. - because they have a cell phone and think if they run into trouble they can just call and have someone bail them out, rather than take responsibility for their own safety.
Yes, cell phones are a great salvation for many things. They also cover up a lot of faults as well.