Shutting out the world with Skull Candy

Having an earphone stuck in your lobes is tantamount to shutting the world and the rest of humanity.

I use my Zen Neeon11 as shield when (1) I don’t feel like talking, (2) I have nothing to say, and (3) I don’t want that person to talk to me. Plainly, I stick my earphones in a hostile environment; whether I make it hostile for others or vice versa.

Inversely, I take off my earphones and shut my player when I am surrounded by friends. Ronald and I consider it ethical and respectful to do so, to people we like, and justifiable to do so, to people we don’t like.

It is similar to, “I can only give you one-eightth of my attention, which I feel is too much” or “Everything you say may have a life-changing effect on me, bring it on!”

Which brings me to wonder how some can endure a full conversation with a loved one, a family member or a best friend with earphones on at blaring volume?