I have a smart phone. It lives in the glove box in my car. Turned off. If I need to make a call when I’m out and about, I power it on, make the call, power it off, and put it back in the glove box.

My home phone uses a machine to screen calls and take messages. If I’m there and I know the caller, I will pick up.

I do not feel communication impaired. I feel untethered and free.

Unless your job has you on the road (e.g. a building contractor) much of the time or you have mission-critical duties (a sick family member), maybe that would work for you too.

Try this experiment: put your phone in your car and make and receive your calls on your home phone (if you have one) or your work phone for three days, checking the cell phone for messages once each evening.

See how that goes for you.

— David Grace