At some point in a new relationship something happens to challenge the foundation the couple is just starting to build. A few months into a relationship, it is easy to walk away if values, feelings, or interests are not aligned. It can be a slow-building realization or a specific event. Regardless, there is a moment in each relationship for that first pause; a time to decide whether you want to pursue the relationship or move on. For me, the moment arrived this week. It was brought about by a specific event.
My boyfriend purchased a new phone.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Trust me. Just keep reading.
JCP was several generations behind everyone else in the world with his old phone. He might not admit that I am right. But I am. To prove my point: there were character limitations on his text messaging (affecting the length of a text); he was constantly rebooting the phone; he couldn’t view images because of a memory space issue; and more.
Like me, he has to research and comparison shop so long that the item in question is probably obsolete by the time a decision is reached. I have patiently been waiting since we met for JCP to reach not just a decision, but the right decision.
Instead he bought a Thunderbolt.
This creates a few problems.
I have never dated a man without an iPhone before. I started seeing JCP, with his ancient phone, thinking surely he would upgrade to an iPhone soon. Not having a common love of all things Apple is a challenge. Not believing that Steve Jobs is our Savior and choosing to buy a Thunderbolt is an even bigger problem in this relationship.
And then there’s the out-of-network issue when we talk. Forget about dropped calls and poor cell reception. If he really cared about me he would have signed up for AT&T, knowing how important the iPhone is to me. This is clearly a warning sign regarding his commitment level in this relationship.
We are also both highly competitive. As a result, the Thunderbolt vs. iPhone debates have begun. As recently as this morning I emailed him an article about a new iPhone patent that was filed (thereby proving superiority) and I received this comment back:
“I am glad to learn iPhone users will eventually join the modern era…”
Forgive him Steve, for he knows not what he says.
As for all the my-phone-is-better-than-your-phone debates, I am clearly ahead. He has such weak facts to sling at me in defense of the Thunderbolt. Who cares that he actually has cell reception with his phone. Does it really matter that he has 4G, a kickstand, and his phone serves as a hot spot? Who needs talk-to-text ability? His phone is inferior, regardless of all these fancy features, including no dropped calls and good cell reception. Who actually buys a phone to talk on anyway?
Actually, I do think in a flurry of excitement that I mentioned never breaking up with him because he has a hot spot. It was a weak moment. Whatever.
The iPhone is superior.
Because Steve Jobs said so.
The end.
Note: JCP and I do have values, feelings, and interests aligned. We are also great communicating with each other so I know we will survive this first bump in our relationship. And he has a good sense of humor, which is key for dating me. And he probably has a 30 day return policy for the Thunderbolt.
On another note, since JCP is losing badly in the battle of the phones, I thought I would be nice and share a singer he likes for Song of the Week. Here’s JCP’s favorite Keith Urban song: “Love Somebody Like You.”
Happy Friday!
Comments
19 responses to “How Great a Test Can a New Relationship Stand?”
Ha! My husband is a PC and I’m a Mac, so it can work. If anything it may be better because he, an IT guy, can’t really help me that much with my Mac unless it’s really technical mumbo jumbo. But most things I end up having to figure out myself, which he thinks is totally hot.
Then maybe there is hope for an iPhone/Thunderbolt relationship! I am thinking positive thoughts because other than the phone issue, things are going well for us.
Uh oh, incompatible hardware?? What a shame, he seemed like he has so much potential!
Only incompatible phone hardware. Don’t you think that is something I should just deal with?
OHHHHHHHHHH NO! What the hell is a thunderbolt and why did he buy one?
JPB doesn’t have an iPhone either! We are obviously fishing in the wrong dating pool!
I still don’t understand why he isn’t carrying around an iPhone. He could spend an hour explaining it to you.
What is wrong with us sis? Kristen should be dating one of them….at least based on her phone choice.
Tell him your vibrator kicks his vibrator’s ass. If he actually begins to disagree with you… I think it’s over.
He actually has a jackhammer app that makes the phone vibrate. How funny you left this comment! Next week I am writing about his app obsession, which is completely out of control.
Android fan boy for life. You picked a smart man
*scoffs* No really, what is a Thunderbolt?! *holds iPhone with mother-like pride* I can blog on the iPhone with flourishing success! I love my iPhone, would not trade it in for anything! Besides, when you go from a corded, archaic phone to a cordless phone, you don’t notice that it’s got an antennae that could reach China when pulled all the way out – you only notice that you can walk around and talk on the phone UNTETHERED. So. No wonder he likes this “thunderbolt” thingy. Nuff said.
Thank you my fellow iPhone friend! I ask the same thing: what the hell is a Thunderbolt?
Update: the debate continued last night. About the greatness of a Thunderbolt.
Considering that my phone doesn’t do anything more than text and call and not even that at times. I can’t weigh in on which is better. Especially because I have never heard of “thunderbolt” until right now. At first I thought it was an energy drink. If it isn’t then it should be.
Thunderbolt is a better name for an energy drink than a phone. Major screw up Verizon.
If you are compatible other than phone related issues, I believe you should just let this one go. Unless he comes home with two cans connected by a piece of string. Then he will have gone too far.
So far he has not presented me with two cans and a string so I think we are good. :)
such a cute post, my hubby and I love the SPRINT network so we both got EVO shifts…and we love them and fortunately each other. :)
I don’t think the Thunderbolt/iPhone debate will ever subside between the two of us. It’s a fun banter so I love we have something to rib the other about.
I have a sometime love interest who still to this day, does not own a cell phone. It’s a problem.
I don’t think I could date someone I could not text. Good for you for hanging in there.