How many times have you seen someone walking down the street with a device in their ear? Do they seem like they are talking to themselves? Are they be-bopping to music on their mp3 player? Perhaps the device is just in their hands. Are they playing games or just text messaging? Have you noticed people who get into their cars and automatically pop a cell phone to their ears? Do they look at you? Probably not, there is no need.

These are the lost. They are lost in their own world. It is the lost world of devices, with little human interaction. It is one reason that people are so unhappy. They are lost.

Something has happened to our society. Human interaction is vanishing. No longer do we have to socialize in person. Do we even have to look at the person that we are walking towards? No, we have a device. This device serves as our diversion so that we no longer have to make that decision to smile or to say hi to that person. We don't have to sit and talk to others while waiting for a train or plane. Really, we can buy most things on the Internet and not have to worry about that check-out lady talking to us. We no longer have to "deal" with that person in line with us. No, we have that excuse diversion that makes interacting with humans a null issue. Wow, what a relief for some. "What if they actually look at me while talking to me, what do I do then?" That's right, I have my device so I am okay.

Why are the "lost" lost? Have we failed to teach how to "strike up a conversation"? Or how to speak with respect to humans?

Most boomers and seniors have a benefit over the younger generations. They know how to interact. They know how to look into someone's eyes and express emotions to them. And how to wave at a passing train or another boat, how to start up a conversation or just how to smile at someone. They have little fear in saying "thank you" or "excuse me". Most people appreciate it. Some still expect it.

I have those devices too. I have an iPod and a cell phone, just like most people. Sometimes it is tempting to fire up my favorite tunes and just "zombie" out on the world. But when we do this we are "missing out" on the world.

As a society we need to put the devices away for a few days and find out what it is like to live without them in a public venue. Dare to smile at the fellow walking towards you. Open a door for someone. Talk about weather to a stranger. The ultimate, socialize with the lady in line next to you, and don't think 'oh no, that could mean a long conversation, oh no'. Do it anyway, you might get a group conversation out of it. Other people would like to do the same...they just don't know how. Dare to walk over to a friend and talk to them instead of text messaging. Give your friend a hug or a handshake and look then in the eye. Say good morning, say good night, say that you are not afraid to interact with humans.

Of course there are those individuals you should be aware of. I'm not saying that everyone is going to handle an interaction by responding positively. It happens, write it off. Because for every idiot who is mean spirited there are many more who are not. It is their problem, it is not yours.

No you don't need to walk with a dog or a baby stroller to start up a conversation with someone. It's a natural function of humanity to socialize and those devices will still be there when you need or want them. Say HI, with a smile, you just might like the results.

Did I say "Good afternoon. Boy, the weather is hot today, isn't it? Well, you have a wonderful day and please stay cool!" That wasn't difficult.

I hope to see interact with a smile one day. I will smile back.

-VA