Bringing the “No phones in meeting” policy to your friend gathering
The snacks are coming in, the cheers are getting louder, and the game is getting heated- until someone finally flips the board, and it’s over. Sounds so much fun, right? Except how do you bring people together when they keep stepping away for ‘just one more call’? It isn’t far-fetched to say that phones often drain the life out of a room. The simple solution: Have a “no-phones” policy when you plan your next gathering. Here’s how to tackle the “but I want to capture the best moments” excuse from your Snapchat-addicted friend.
Fun Activities for a No-Phone Gathering
Reading Party: If your friend group is full of wallflowers, the best way to get them involved is to have a reading party. You could decide on a book of the day or a particular author or simply, any book one wishes to read. Think of it like a mini book club where the focus is on quiet engagement, rather than constant phone checking.
Creating Art Not Content: Meeting up and creating reels with friends is fun, but you know what’s more fun: judging their artworks (unless you have your own Bob Ross). Tap into your inner child and embrace creative activities like painting, sketching, or DIY crafts. It’s a chance to let go of the digital world and reconnect with hands-on fun.
Karaoke night: It is worth it Book a karaoke room with your friends and sing to your heart’s content all the MTV hits you grew up on. Sing terribly, laugh at yourselves, and have fun. No phones means no distractions, just pure, unfiltered fun.
Crocheting is Fun: Now that sustainability is fashionable. Take the pressure off trying a new hobby and make it a group event. You might find out that you suck at it, or you may have a new money-saving trick up your sleeve. What’s important is it will be a great bonding activity.
Baking Together: It’s fun, and you get a cookie reward. Make it a challenge: Who will bake the best cookies without Googling recipes? Laugh at the baking mishaps and enjoy tasty treats at the end (hopefully).
Outdoor Sports: Let’s kick it. Why Should Kids Have All the Fun? Get everyone in their comfiest fits and have a good ol’ session of football, cricket, or basketball in your nearest public park. It’s the best way to get everyone moving, laughing, and working together as a team.
Designate a Timeframe
Fun is necessary, but we cannot ignore that important ‘work calls’ are, in fact, important. So, designate a timeframe in between when everyone can check their phones to stay updated. After that, phones go back to the “phone jail,” and the fun continues. This way, everyone stays in the loop without letting their devices dominate the night.
Tell Everyone in Advance
A lot of people, especially introverts, might be apprehensive of the idea, so it’s important to make sure who is comfortable or not. A little heads-up about the nature of the gathering would do good. This also gives them a chance to suggest alternative activities or voice any concerns they might have.
What CTRL+Z Suggests
Raise the stakes: the first person to check their phone will pay for everyone. Yeah, that will do the trick. So, dear reader, if you are planning a no-phone gathering, I hope it’s a success. Whether it’s laughing over bad karaoke or baking cookies from scratch, the key is to make memories in real-time, not on a phone screen. With the right activities and a little planning, your no-phone gathering is sure to be a hit.
About the Author
A young writer that writes about things that matter most- identity, family, adulting, digital life (or the lack of it). Sometimes, I also indulge in making memes and writing poetry; the two spectrums of creativity. I also love music and engaging in different fandoms. Always been the girl with ‘too many’ opinions and will always be one.
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About the Author
A young writer that writes about things that matter most- identity, family, adulting, digital life (or the lack of it). Sometimes, I also indulge in making memes and writing poetry; the two spectrums of creativity. I also love music and engaging in different fandoms. Always been the girl with ‘too many’ opinions and will always be one.