Survive Without a Cell Phone

By Talia Pollocki Ever have that dream where you’re standing naked in front of a crowd? Ever lose or break your cell phone and walk around feeling naked all day? Frankly, the second nightmare is worse. At least if you were truly baring your birthday suit in public, you could text your friends about it.

Face It Without a phone attached to your ear or stuck to your hand, expect to make actual eye contact with other humans. This will involve recognizing classmates, professors, party acquaintances, and other familiar faces. A smile is suggested in these situations. It will remind other people that you do have a soul.

Time Will Tell Without your phone digitally relaying the hour, you will need an alternate time-keeping device. Luckily, there is a gadget made for this purpose. Yep, you’re going to have to slap a watch on your wrist. Not the stylish, broken one with tiny hands and no numbers. You will need a real working watch to make it to class on time. Or, be bold: take the smile a step further and ask a stranger for the time.

Sticky Situation Stuck on the bus between your last hookup and your current one? Vaguely recognize the girl walking by but not sure if you’ve actually met or if you’ve just stalked her on Facebook? Sorry folks, but without a cell phone, you can’t text your way out of these awkward situations. With practice, you may be able to cultivate a personality and combat the discomfort. Try making a joke or telling a witty anecdote. If all else fails, fiddle with your new watch.

In the Neighborhood Without a cell phone, late-night booty calls are virtually out of the question. If your fallback doesn’t live nearby, you’re screwed — or rather, not. Get to know your neighbors and call dibs on the hot one immediately. But be warned: without a cell phone, an invitation for sex will include more than texting, “Want 2 mayB meet up l8r?” Practice your face-to-face flirting skills and that winning smile, and you’ll tap that in no time.