Thoughts from an older person:
As an older person, I’ve had this feeling: Look at me. I’m talking to you. A minute ago, you seemed interested in the thought I was expressing, so I took a chance and told you more, exposing my feelings. It felt good, this mutual human contact. Then you looked away, then down at your phone. Your eyes said that my one minute of interaction was up and your mind was wandering elsewhere. Your inattention said a lot more, though—that you aren’t interested in what I’m saying or even in me. That I’m not worth a speck of your time. That the hint of vulnerability I’ve shown should have stayed hidden. I don’t think you really mean any disrespect or even know how you’re making me feel. It’s just how things are today in this Twitter world. In this lonely, isolating, dehumanizing Twitter world.